System and method for providing setting information to a target device

A terminal device displays a first screen related to a setting for processing executable by plural models of a device; acquires, from a target device, identification information for the model of the target device through a first communication unit and communication information for communicating with the target device through second communication unit; acquires, from a storing unit, processing information corresponding to the acquired identification information; transmits, to the target device, through the second communication unit, a setting entered through the first screen using communication information. If the processing information acquired through the second communication unit includes information on specific processing executable only by the model corresponding to the identification information, the terminal device further displays a second screen related to a setting for the specific processing, and further transmits the setting entered through the second screen, to the target device through the second communication unit, using the communication information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-012843 filed in Japan on Jan. 27, 2014 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-263370 filed in Japan on Dec. 25, 2014.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a terminal device, an image processing system, and a computer program product.

2. Description of the Related Art

In these years, portable terminals are widely used as information processing devices, each of which includes a touch panel and a wireless communication unit, and is configured to be easily portable. Such portable terminals include, for example, multifunction telephone terminals (smartphones) having a telephone function and tablet computers mainly used for information processing. Hereinafter, such portable terminals are called smart devices. The smart devices use, as a way of wireless communication, near field communication using an integrated circuit (IC) tag or a wireless local area network (LAN) that enables communication at a higher speed and over a longer distance than the near field communication.

Meanwhile, as one type of image visualization devices having a function of visualizing image data, multifunction printers (MFPs) have heretofore been known that implement a plurality of functions, such as a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile (fax) function, in one housing. In order to use the functions of an MFP from a smart device, techniques are known that connect the MFP to the smart device by combining the near field communication with the wireless LAN.

For example, the smart device first uses the near field communication to acquire, from the MFP, connection information for establishing a network connection thereto via the wireless LAN. The smart device then establishes a communication with the MFP via the wireless LAN based on the connection information acquired from the MFP, and communicates setting information and print information with the MFP via the network using the wireless LAN.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-214806 discloses an MFP that includes a near field communication (NFC) tag and a wireless transmitter-receiver for communicating with a mobile phone; the MFP sends, to the mobile phone, information indicating a type of image processing accepted to be selected when the communication with the mobile phone has started to be established, and performs the image processing based on execution instruction information sent from the mobile phone according to the information indicating the type of image processing. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-214806, when a user uses a function of the MFP from the smart device (mobile phone), the user can save the trouble of setting again the function and setting values selected on the MFP side on the smart device, so that ease of operation for the user is improved.

In some cases, items settable as setting values for a function to be used vary among different models of MFPs. In those cases, the conventional smart devices perform various settings for an MFP after the network connection via the wireless LAN is established by exchanging the connection information of the network with the MFP using the near field communication, as described above. As a result, if the establishment of the network takes a long time, the user needs to wait until the function of the MFP can begin to be used, thus causing a problem in convenience.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-214806 does not disclose a method for easily setting the items settable as setting values for a function to be used by MFPs from the mobile phone of the user when the items differ among the MFPs. Thus, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2013-214806 fails to resolve the problem in the convenience occurring when MFPs are used from a smart device (mobile phone).

Therefore, there is a need to improve the convenience in using an image visualization device from a smart device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an embodiment, a terminal device connectable to a plurality of models of a device includes a display control unit, a first acquiring unit, a second acquiring unit, and a transmission unit. The display control unit displays, on a display, a first screen used for accepting a first setting for processing that is executable by the plurality of models of the device. The first acquiring unit acquire, from a target device to be controlled, through a first communication unit, identification information identifying which of the plurality of models is a model of the target device, and acquires, from the target device, through a second communication unit different from the first communication, communication information for communicating with the target device. The second acquiring unit acquires, from a storing unit that stores therein processing information of one or more models representing at least information on processing executable by the one or more models in a manner associated with the identification information identifying the one or more models. The processing information is associated with the identification information acquired by the first acquiring unit. The transmission unit transmits, to the target device, through the second communication unit, information representing the first setting accepted through the first screen displayed on the display, based on the communication information acquired by the first acquiring unit. When the processing information acquired by the second acquiring unit includes information on specific processing that is executable only by the model identified by the identification information associated with the processing information, the display control unit further displays, on the display, a second screen for accepting a second setting for the specific processing. The transmission unit further transmits, to the target device through the second communication unit, information representing the second setting accepted through the second screen, based on the communication information acquired by the first acquiring unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following describes in detail embodiments of a terminal device, an image processing system, and a method and a computer program for controlling an image visualization device, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1schematically illustrates an image processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1, the image processing system according to the first embodiment includes a multifunction printer (MFP)10and a smart device20.

The MFP10is an image forming device that implements a plurality of functions, such as a print function11, a copy function12, a scanner function13, and a fax function14, in one housing. The MFP10is an image visualization device that has a function of using the print function11to form externally supplied image data or image data obtained by scanning a document with the scanner function13as an image on a medium intended for forming an image thereon, such as a paper sheet, and thus to visualize the image data.

The smart device20is an information processing terminal device that includes a touch panel and a communication unit wirelessly communicating via a first communication path, and is configured to be easily portable. Examples of the smart device20include, but are not limited to, multifunction telephone terminals (smartphones) additionally having a telephone function and tablet computers mainly used for information processing. The smart device20includes a user interface (UI)21that presents information to a user using the touch panel and accepts operation inputs made by the user.

The MFP10is connected to a network30using, for example, a local area network (LAN) so as to be capable of wiredly or wirelessly communicating therewith. The smart device20is connected to the network30via a wireless communication, such as a wireless LAN. The description will be given below on the assumption that the network30adopts Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) as a communication protocol.

The smart device20further includes, as a first communication unit, a near field communication unit that performs near field communication as wireless communication over a communication area with a very short range of, for example, approximately 10 cm. The near field communication unit is also provided in the MFP10. The smart device20can perform the near field communication with the near field communication unit provided in the MFP10. In other words, the smart device20includes the above-mentioned first communication path and a second communication path using the near field communication unit as communication paths for communicating with other devices.

In the first embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) tag includes a storing unit and a near field wireless connection unit for performing the near field communication, and is pasted to be attached, as the near field communication unit, to the housing of the MFP10. When the user holds the smart device20near the position of the IC tag of the MFP10, the near field communication is performed between the smart device20and the IC tag, so that the smart device20can read information stored, for example, in the storing unit of the IC tag.

The smart device20always generates a magnetic field with a radius of, for example, approximately 10 cm, so that holding the smart device20near the position of the IC tag of the MFP10to enclose the IC tag in the magnetic field causes a coil provided in the IC tag to receive the magnetic field to produce a current. An integrated circuit embedded in the IC tag uses the current to communicate with the smart device20. This communication conforms to, for example, the ISO/IEC14443 standard, and, in this case, uses a frequency band of 13.56 MHz to send the information stored in the storing unit provided in the IC tag to the smart device20.

In the configuration as described above, the MFP10stores in advance, in the storing unit included therein and readable by the near field communication unit, a model identifier (ID) serving as identification information that can identify the model of the MFP10and communication information to be used by the smart device20for communicating with the MFP10via the network30. The smart device20stores in advance, in a storing unit included therein, settable device performance information of the MFP10, for one or more models of the MFP10, in a manner associated with the model ID or IDs.

To use a function of the MFP10from the smart device20, the user holds the smart device20in a region (such as near the position of the IC tag) supporting the near field communication of the MFP10. The smart device20communicates with the near field communication unit of the MFP10, and acquires the model ID and the communication information stored in the storing unit readable by the near field communication unit.

The smart device20uses the communication information acquired from the MFP10via the near field communication to communicate with the MFP10via the network30as a second communication unit. This communication via the network30allows the smart device20to send print data and execution instructions of the functions to the MFP10. This capability allows the smart device20to use therefrom the functions of the MFP10.

Furthermore, if the storing unit included in the smart device20stores therein the device performance information of a plurality of models of the MFP10, the smart device20extracts device performance information common to the models of the MFP10based on the stored device performance information. The smart device20also reads, from the storing unit included in the smart device20, the device performance information associated with the model ID acquired from the MFP10via the near field communication. If the device performance information read from the storing unit includes device performance information of a specific item (or items) that is (are) not included in the device performance information common to the models of the MFP10, the smart device20displays the device performance information of the specific item (or items) on the UI21of the smart device20.

The device performance information of the specific item (or items) can be displayed on the UI21when the communication is not established between the smart device20and the MFP10via the network30. This capability allows the user to confirm a function specific (unique) to the target MFP10without waiting for the establishment of the communication between the smart device20and the MFP10via the network30.

Configuration According to First Embodiment

FIG. 2is a functional block diagram of an example for explaining the functions of the MFP10according to the first embodiment. InFIG. 2, the MFP10includes an overall control unit100and a network connection unit101. The MFP10also includes a print function unit111, a copy function unit112, a scanner function unit113, and a fax function unit114, as examples of function units for implementing the functions of the MFP10. Functions of the MFP10are not limited to the functions illustrated inFIG. 2.

The overall control unit100includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM). The CPU follows a computer program stored in advance in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work memory to control the overall operation of the MFP10. For example, the print function unit111, the copy function unit112, the scanner function unit113, and the fax function unit114operate according to instructions of the overall control unit100. The network connection unit101controls connection to the network30via wired or wireless communication. Device performance information104includes names of functions executable by the MFP10and parameters for implementing the functions, and is stored in advance, for example, in the ROM.

In the MFP10according to the first embodiment, a near field wireless connection unit102and a storing unit103are configured as devices external to the MFP10. For example, the near field wireless connection unit102and the storing unit103are provided in the IC tag, which is pasted or attached to the housing of the MFP10.

The storing unit103stores therein in advance communication information105to be used when the smart device20performs the communication with the MFP10via the network30. The near field wireless connection unit102can read the communication information105from the storing unit103according to a request received via the near field communication, and can send the communication information105to a communication partner of the near field communication.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of the device performance information104according to the first embodiment.FIG. 3illustrates the device performance information104such that the settable performance information on the functions (the print function, the scanner function, etc.) of the MFP10is associated with the model ID serving as the identification information for identifying the model of the MFP10. The settable performance information is information for each of the models of the MFP10. Consequently, the settable performance information may vary depending on the model of the MFP10.

In the example ofFIG. 3, items, such as “Sheet Size”, “Color/Monochrome”, “Document Storage”, and “Two-Color Printing”, are defined as settable items for the print function in the device performance information104. In the same manner, items, such as “Resolution”, “Color/Monochrome”, and “Scan Size”, are defined as settable items for the scanner function.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of the communication information105according to the first embodiment. In the example ofFIG. 4, the communication information105includes items of “SSID”, “Encryption Scheme”, “Password”, “IP Address”, “HTTP Port No.”, “HTTPS Port No.”, and “Model ID”.

Of the items included in the communication information105, the item “SSID” (i.e., service set identifier) represents identification information (SSID) for identifying the network30to be connected. The item “Encryption Scheme” represents the encryption scheme used by the network30to be connected. The item “Password” represents the password used by the smart device20to be authenticated on the network30to be connected.

The smart device20can communicate with the network30by setting values represented by the items “SSID”, “Encryption Scheme”, and “Password” as communication settings.

The item “IP Address” (i.e., Internet Protocol address) represents the address (IP address) of the MFP10on the network30. The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) port number represents a communication port number of the MFP10for performing the communication to use a function of the MFP10via the network30. The Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) port number represents a communication port number of the MFP10for performing the communication to use a function of the MFP10via the network30by encrypting transferred data packets.

In this manner, when the MFP10is used via the network30in the first embodiment, HTTP is used as a protocol to communicate with the MFP10. The present invention is, however, not limited to this example. The port number for using the MFP10via the network30may be another port number, such as a line printer daemon protocol (LPR) port number or a standard Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) port number.

When the IC tag including the near field wireless connection unit102and the storing unit103is used, values in the MFP10to which the IC tag is attached are stored as the items “IP Address”, “HTTP Port No.”, and “HTTPS Port No.”. For example, setting the item “IP Address”, and any one of the items “HTTP Port No.” and “HTTPS Port No.” on the smart device20allows the device to communicate with the MFP10via the network30, and the communication enables the use of the function of the MFP10.

The item “Model ID” represents the identification information for identifying the model of the MFP10. As the model ID, the same value as the model ID associated with the device performance information104included in the MFP10is used.

FIG. 5is a functional block diagram of an example for explaining functions of the smart device20according to the first embodiment. InFIG. 5, the smart device20includes an overall control unit200, a network connection unit201, a near field wireless connection unit202, a storing unit203, and a UI unit210.

The overall control unit200includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU follows a computer program stored in advance in the ROM and uses the RAM as a work memory to control the overall operation of the smart device20.

The network connection unit201controls connection to the network30via wireless communication. The near field wireless connection unit202controls the communication using the near field wireless technique. For example, the near field wireless connection unit202connects to the near field wireless connection unit102included in the MFP10via the near field communication, and acquires the communication information105stored in the storing unit103.

The storing unit203is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and stores therein a device performance information database (DB)204. The device performance information DB204stores therein respective pieces of the device performance information104of one or more models of the MFP10in a manner associated with the model ID or IDs.

According to instructions of the overall control unit200, the UI unit210presents information to the user and accepts user operations, using, for example, a touch panel. In the first embodiment, the UI unit210serves as a display control unit that presents, to the user, a menu screen for selecting a function of the MFP10and a setting screen for making various settings for the selected function.

FIG. 6illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP10according to the first embodiment. InFIG. 6, the MFP10includes a CPU1000, a ROM1001, a RAM1002, an external interface (I/F)1003, an operation unit I/F1004, a communication I/F1005, and a hard disk drive (HDD)1020. The MFP10further includes a configuration to perform the functions of the MFP10. In this example in which the MFP10has the print function, the copy function, the scanner function, and the fax function, the MFP10includes an image processing/engine control unit1030, an image reading unit1031, a plotter unit1032, and a fax unit1033, as the configuration to perform the functions. The above-mentioned units included in the MFP10are connected via buses1010and1011so as to be capable of communicating with each other.

The CPU1000follows, for example, a computer program stored in advance in the ROM1001and uses the RAM1002as a work memory to control the overall operation of the MFP10. The HDD1020stores therein computer programs and data for operating the CPU1000. The HDD1020stores therein in advance the device performance information104described above. The ROM1001may store therein the device performance information104.

The operation unit I/F1004is connected to an operation unit1040that includes an operation element for accepting user operations and a display for presenting information to the user. A touch panel that outputs a signal corresponding to a touched position can be used as the operation element, and can be configured to be integral with the display. The operation unit I/F1004converts the signal output from the operation unit1040in response to the user operation into a control signal treatable by the CPU1000, and outputs the result. The operation unit I/F1004also generates a signal for display from a display control signal fed from the CPU1000, and allows the display of the operation unit1040to display a screen corresponding to the display control signal.

The communication I/F1005follows commands of the CPU1000to control the communication with the network30. The external I/F1003is an interface, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, for connecting to external devices. Using the communication I/F1005and the external I/F1003, the MFP10can, for example, receive data for using the functions, such as print data used by the print function and data for fax transmission used by the fax function, and send image data obtained by the scan function.

The image reading unit1031reads an image of a document data using photoelectric conversion elements, such as charge coupled devices (CCDs), and outputs the image data. The plotter unit1032forms an image on a medium based on the image data, using image forming method, such as an inkjet method or an electrophotographic method.

The image processing/engine control unit1030follows commands of the CPU1000to control operation of the image reading unit1031and the plotter unit1032. The image processing/engine control unit1030also follows a command of the CPU1000to apply certain image processing to the image data read by the image reading unit1031, and outputs the result to the bus1011. The image processing/engine control unit1030further applies certain image processing to the image data supplied via the bus1011, and feeds the result to the plotter unit1032. The fax unit1033is connected, for example, to a public telephone line, and follows a command of the CPU1000to perform a fax transmission process of the image data supplied via the bus1011.

A near field communication (NFC) chip1041is an IC tag having the function of the near field communication described above, and incorporates a communication unit for performing the near field communication and a memory, respectively corresponding to the near field wireless connection unit102and the storing unit103. The NFC chip1041stores in advance the device performance information104and the communication information105in a memory embedded therein. The NFC chip1041is a device external to the MFP10, and is, for example, pasted to the MFP10. The position where the NFC chip1041is pasted to the MFP10is not limited, but the NFC chip1041is preferably pasted to a position where the near field communication can be easily performed with the smart device20.

FIG. 7illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the smart device20according to the first embodiment. The smart device20includes a CPU2000, a ROM2001, a RAM2002, an external I/F2003, an operation unit2004, a communication I/F2005, an NFC unit2006, and a storage2007. These units are connected via a bus2010so as to be capable of communicating with each other.

The CPU2000follows, for example, a computer program stored in advance in the ROM2001and uses the RAM2002as a work memory to control the overall operation of the smart device20. The functions of the overall control unit200, the network connection unit201, the near field wireless connection unit202, and the UI unit210, which have been described usingFIG. 5, are implemented by the program operated by the CPU2000.

The external I/F2003is an interface, such as a USB interface, for connecting to external devices.

The operation unit2004includes a display and an input unit for accepting user operations. According to control of the UI unit210based on commands of the CPU2000, the operation unit2004displays information on the display, and outputs control signals corresponding to input operations made to the input unit. The operation unit2004can employ, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) as the display and a touch panel as the input unit. The display and the input unit are configured in an integrated manner.

According to control of the network connection unit201based on commands of the CPU2000, the communication I/F2005performs the communication via the network30. According to control of the near field wireless connection unit202based on commands of the CPU2000, the NFC unit2006performs the near field communication.

The storage2007is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and can store therein various kinds of data. The storage2007may store therein a computer program for operating the CPU2000.

The above-mentioned program according to the first embodiment for implementing the functions of the overall control unit200, the network connection unit201, the near field wireless connection unit202, and the UI unit210is not limited to the example of being stored in the ROM2001in advance, but may be configured to be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a communication network, such as the Internet, and being downloaded via the communication network. The program may also be configured to be provided or distributed via a communication network, such as the Internet.

The program may also be provided by being recorded as a file in an installable format or an executable format on a computer-readable storage medium, such as a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD).

The program according to the first embodiment has, for example, a module configuration including the above-described units (the overall control unit200, the network connection unit201, the near field wireless connection unit202, and the UI unit210). As actual hardware, the CPU2000reads the program from the ROM2001and executes the program to load the units in the main memory (such as the RAM2002), so that the units are generated in the main memory.

Processing According to First Embodiment

The processing according to the first embodiment will be more specifically described.FIG. 8illustrates a flowchart of an example process in the smart device20according to the first embodiment. The example will be described for a case in which the user uses a function of a certain MFP10from the smart device20held by the user. The certain MFP10intended to be used by the user from the smart device20is hereinafter called the particular MFP10.

The user first performs an operation of specifying the function to be used in the particular MFP10on the smart device20. On the smart device20, in response to the operation, the UI unit210displays a function selection screen400for selecting a function of the MFP10, as illustrated inFIG. 9, on the display included in the operation unit2004(Step S10).

InFIG. 9, the function selection screen400displays buttons401a,401b,401c, and401dfor selecting a function intended to be used from the print function11, the copy function12, the scanner function13, and the fax function14, respectively, of the MFP10. The UI unit210waits for a selection input of a function by an operation to any of the buttons401a,401b,401c, and401d(Step S11).

After determining that any of the buttons401a,401b,401c, and401dis operated, the UI unit210performs processing at Step S12. At Step S12, the UI unit210determines which of the buttons401a,401b,401c, and401dis operated, that is, which of the print function11, the copy function12, the scanner function13, and the fax function14of the MFP10is selected. If it is determined that any of buttons401b,401c, and401dis operated and thus a function other than the print function11is selected, the UI unit210performs processing at Step S14.

If it is determined that the button401ais operated and thus the print function11is selected, the UI unit210performs processing at Step S13. At Step S13, the UI unit210displays, on the display included in the operation unit2004, a file selection screen for selecting a file to be printed by the print function11.

The file selection screen may be a screen for selecting a file stored in the storage2007included in the smart device20, or may be a screen for selecting a file stored in a file server on the network connected via the communication I/F2005. The UI unit210reads the file selected by the user through the file selection operation performed on the file selection screen, and stores the file, for example, in the RAM2002.

At the next step, Step S14, the UI unit210displays, on the display of the operation unit2004, a common item setting screen as a first screen for making settings common to a plurality of models.FIG. 10illustrates an example of the common item setting screen according to the first embodiment. For the purpose of explanation, the print function is assumed to be selected here. InFIG. 10, this common item setting screen410is provided, in an area411thereof, with buttons411a,411b,411c, and so on for setting common specified items that can be specified in common among the models. Pressing an end button413notifies the UI unit210of an end of the various settings on the common item setting screen410.

If the print function is selected as the function to be used in the particular MFP10, a preview image area412for displaying a preview of an image to be printed is provided. For example, the UI unit210generates a preview image based on the file read by being selected on the file selection screen displayed at Step S13, and displays the preview image in the preview image area412.

After the setting of the various settings as a first setting on the common item setting screen410is finished and the end button413is operated, the process moves to Step S15. At Step S15, the UI unit210displays, on the display included in the operation unit2004, an operation guide screen420for prompting to start the near field communication, as illustrated inFIG. 11. The operation guide screen420may be displayed so as to overlap the common item setting screen410.

FIG. 11illustrates a state in which a message421for prompting to start the near field communication is displayed on the operation guide screen420. In this example, the message421prompts the user to hold the smart device20near the communication position of the particular MFP10for performing the near field communication. In the example of the first embodiment, the communication position of the particular MFP10corresponds to the position of the IC tag attached to the housing of the particular MFP10, and the position of the IC tag corresponds to the position of the NFC chip1041described usingFIG. 6.

The UI unit210of the smart device20determines whether the communication information105is acquired from the storing unit103in the IC tag via the near field communication performed with the IC tag of the MFP10(Step S16). The UI unit210repeats the processing at Step S16until the communication information105is acquired from the IC tag (as a first acquiring unit). If it is determined that the communication information105is acquired, the UI unit210performs processing at Step S17.

At Step S17, the UI unit210determines whether the particular MFP10includes a specific item (or items). For example, based on the model ID included in the acquired communication information105, the UI unit210searches the device performance information DB204stored in the storing unit203for the device performance information104corresponding to the model ID. If the device performance information DB204stores therein a plurality of pieces of the device performance information104for a plurality of model IDs, the UI unit210extracts the settable performance information common to the pieces of the device performance information.

The settable performance information can be considered to be processing information on executable processing in the model. The UI unit210serves as a second acquiring unit that acquires the processing information based on the model ID.

The UI unit210compares the settable performance information common to the extracted pieces of the device performance information with the settable performance information included in the device performance information104found based on the model ID acquired via the near field communication. As a result of this comparison, the UI unit210acquires, as the specific item (or items) of the particular MFP10, the settable performance information that is present in the settable performance information included in the device performance information104found based on the model ID acquired via the near field communication, but is not present in the settable performance information common to the pieces of the device performance information.

If, at Step S17described above, the particular MFP10is determined to include a specific item (or items), the UI unit210performs processing at Step S18. At Step S18, the UI unit210displays, on the display of the operation unit2004, a specific item setting screen as a second screen for making a setting (or settings) for the item (or items) specific to the particular MFP10.

An example of the specific item setting screen will be described usingFIGS. 12 and 13. If it is determined that the particular MFP10includes a specific item, the UI unit210first displays, on the display included in the operation unit2004, an alert display for prompting to select whether to make a setting for the specific item of the particular MFP10.

FIG. 12illustrates an example of this alert display431. In this example, the alert display431is displayed so as to overlap a specific item setting screen430. The alert display431is provided with a message identifying the specific item and prompting to select whether to make a setting for the specific item, and with buttons432aand432bfor performing the selection. In this example, the button432aselects to make the setting, and the button432bselects not to make the setting. In the example ofFIG. 12, the specific item setting screen430displays the buttons411a,411b,411c, and so on for specifying the common specified items, and, in addition, a button433for setting the specific item. In the example ofFIG. 12, the “Document Storage” is defined as a specific item, and the button433is a button that sets whether to perform the “Document Storage”.

FIG. 13illustrates an example of the specific item setting screen430in the case in which, for example, the button432ais operated on the alert display431to select to set the specific item. The example ofFIG. 13is an example of a case in which the button432aof the alert display431is operated, and further, the button433for setting the specific item as a second setting is operated on the specific item setting screen430ofFIG. 12. A selection portion434for selecting a setting value for the specific item and a print button440are displayed inFIG. 13.

An operation of the print button440by the user executes the print function in the MFP10, and printing is performed based on the selected file. Specifically, on the smart device20, the network connection unit201establishes the communication with the MFP10via the network30according to the communication information105acquired at Step S16; according to the operation of print button440, the UI unit210sends the file for printing, a printing instruction, and the items of the setting information set on the common item setting screen410to the MFP10via the network30; and according to the file and the information received via the network, the MFP10performs the printing.

If, at Step S17described above, the particular MFP10is determined to include no specific item, the UI unit210displays, for example, a print button for issuing a print instruction on the display of the operation unit2004. An operation of the print button by the user executes the print function in the MFP10, and printing is performed based on the selected file, in the same manner as the example describe above.

In the example ofFIG. 13, the UI unit210places the selection portion434in the state of selecting “No” by default. In this case, if, for example, the print button440is operated without an operation to the selection portion434, the MFP10executes the print function without performing the operation of the “Document Storage” defined as a specific item. Naturally, if an operation of specifying “No” is performed to the selection portion434and then the print button440is operated, the MFP10executes the print function without performing the operation of the “Document Storage”. If an operation of specifying “Yes” is performed to the selection portion434and then the print button440is operated, the MFP10executes the print function and the operation of the “Document Storage”.

In the example ofFIG. 13, the UI unit210places the selection portion434in the state of selecting “No” by default. The present invention is, however, not limited to this example. The UI unit210may place the selection portion434, for example, in the state of selecting “Yes” by default. In this case, if the print button440is operated in the state in which no operation is performed to the selection portion434, or if the operation of specifying “Yes” is performed to the selection portion434and then the print button440is operated, the MFP10executes the print function and the operation of the “Document Storage”. If the operation of specifying “No” is performed to the selection portion434, the MFP10does not perform the operation of the “Document Storage” when the print button440is operated.

Moreover, the UI unit210may place the selection portion434in the state of selecting neither “Yes” nor “No” by default. In this case, it is conceivable that, for example, the UI unit210may disable the print button440by default, and enable the print button440when an operation of specifying either “Yes” or “No” is performed to the selection portion434.

In this manner, the first embodiment can determine whether the particular MFP10includes a specific item (or items) by locating the smart device20close to the communication position (position of the IC tag) in the particular MFP10and performing the communication for acquiring the model ID via the near field communication. If it is determined that the particular MFP10includes a specific item (or items), the first embodiment can perform the setting operation for the function of the specific item (or items). As a result, the first embodiment can confirm and make setting(s) for the item (or items) specific (unique) to the particular MFP10without waiting for the establishment of the connection between the smart device20and the particular MFP10via the network30, thus improving convenience of the user.

A description will be given of processing when the smart device20is held near the position of the IC tag of the particular MFP10according to the operation guide screen420, at Step S15described above.

First, usingFIG. 14, a description will be given of an outline of a connection process between the smart device20and the MFP10according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the smart device20uses the particular MFP10via the network30. InFIG. 14, the particular MFP10is already connected to the network30at an access point (AP)31, and can perform communication (Step S1).

In this state, to use the particular MFP10from the smart device20, the user follows the message421on the operation guide screen420illustrated inFIG. 11, and holds the smart device20near the position of the IC tag including the near field wireless connection unit102and the storing unit103described above in the MFP10. This operation causes the near field communication to be performed between the smart device20and the IC tag.

Using the near field communication, the smart device20acquires the communication information105stored in the storing unit103included in the IC tag (Step S2). Using the information representing the SSID, the encryption scheme, and the password included in the communication information105acquired at Step S2, the smart device20connects to the access point31(Step S3). This operation allows the smart device20to communicate with the MFP10via the network30.

FIG. 15illustrates an example connection sequence to connect the smart device20to the MFP10via the network30. InFIG. 15, as described above, the MFP10is already connected to the network30via the access point31(Step S100).

To connect the smart device20to the MFP10via the network30, the user first holds the smart device20over the IC tag that is pasted to the MFP10and performs the near field communication (hereinafter, simply called the IC tag). This operation starts the near field communication between the near field wireless connection unit202of the smart device20and the IC tag.

Via this communication, the near field wireless connection unit202requests the communication information105from the near field wireless connection unit102included in the IC tag (Step S101). In response to this request, the near field wireless connection unit102reads the communication information105from the storing unit103, and sends the communication information105thus read to the smart device20via the near field communication (Step S102). On the smart device20, the communication information105is received by the near field wireless connection unit202, and transferred to the network connection unit201via the overall control unit200.

On the smart device20, based on the SSID included in the communication information105received from the near field wireless connection unit202, the network connection unit201identifies the access point31on the network30(Step S103). The network connection unit201then obtains the encryption scheme and the password from the communication information105, and connects to the access point31(Step S104). The above-described process connects the smart device20to the network30, which is the same network as that connected to the MFP10(Step S105).

The smart device20can execute the processing of Step S103and later inFIG. 15in parallel with the processing of Step S16and later inFIG. 8. This parallel processing can establish the communication between the smart device20and the particular MFP10via the network30while, for example, the user is performing the above-described setting operations on the smart device20.

Modification of First Embodiment

A first modification of the first embodiment will be described. The above description has assumed that the device performance information of the particular MFP10is already stored in the device performance information DB204in the storing unit203included in the smart device20. The first modification of the first embodiment is an example of processing in which the device performance information of the particular MFP10is not stored in the device performance information DB204included in the smart device20.

Before describing the first modification of the first embodiment, for facilitating the understanding, a description will be given of processing when the device performance information of the particular MFP10is already stored in the device performance information DB204in the smart device20, usingFIG. 16. To avoid complications, the following describes operations in the units of the smart device20as operations of the smart device20.

First, the smart device20displays the function selection screen400illustrated inFIG. 9on the display. If, for example, the button401afor selecting the print function is operated, the smart device20displays the file selection screen on the display to prompt to select a document to be printed. After a document is selected according to an operation on the file selection screen, the smart device20displays the common item setting screen410ofFIG. 10on the display, and, according to user operations on the common item setting screen410, sets print parameters (Step S200).

After the print parameters are set on the common item setting screen410, the smart device20displays the operation guide screen420illustrated inFIG. 11on the display. When, in response to this display, the user holds the smart device20over the IC tag of the particular MFP10(Step S201), the near field communication starts between the smart device20and the IC tag of the MFP10. Using the near field communication, the smart device20requests reading of the communication information105from the storing unit103in the IC tag (Step S202). In response to the request, the communication information105is read from the storing unit103of the IC tag pasted to the MFP10, then sent from the IC tag, and acquired by the smart device20(Step S203).

The smart device20extracts the model ID from the communication information105acquired at Step S203, and searches the device performance information DB204for the device performance information104corresponding to the extracted model ID. If the device performance information104corresponding to the extracted model ID is found in the device performance information DB204, the smart device20follows the process at Step S17ofFIG. 8to determine whether the found device performance information104includes a specific item (or items). Based on the extracted model ID, if it is determined that the device performance information104includes a specific item (or items), the smart device20displays the alert display431and the specific item setting screen430illustrated inFIG. 12on the display (Step S204). According to an operation (or operations) on the specific item setting screen430, the specific item (or items) is (are) set (Step S205).

Based on the communication information105acquired at Step S203, the smart device20connects to the same network30as connected to the particular MFP10, in the manner described usingFIG. 15(Step S206). The smart device20then sends a print request to the particular MFP10via the network30(Step S207). In response to the print request, the MFP10performs printing (Step S208).

FIG. 17illustrates the example of the processing according to the first modification of the first embodiment in which the device performance information of the particular MFP10is not stored in the device performance information DB204included in the smart device20.

First, at Step S300, in the same manner as Step S200described above, the smart device20displays the function selection screen400on the display, and, if, for example, the button411afor selecting the print function is operated, displays the file selection screen on the display to prompt to select a document to be printed. After a document is selected according to an operation on the file selection screen, the smart device20displays the common item setting screen410ofFIG. 10on the display, and, according to user operations on the common item setting screen410, sets the print parameters.

After the print parameters are set on the common item setting screen410, the smart device20displays the operation guide screen420illustrated inFIG. 11on the display. When, in response to this display, the user holds the smart device20over the position of the IC tag of the particular MFP10(Step S301), the near field communication starts between the smart device20and the IC tag of the MFP10. Using the near field communication, the smart device20acquires the communication information105from the storing unit103in the IC tag (Steps S302and S303).

The smart device20extracts the model ID from the communication information105acquired at Step S303, and searches the device performance information DB204for the device performance information104corresponding to the extracted model ID. If the device performance information104corresponding to the extracted model ID is not found in the device performance information DB204, the smart device20connects to the same network30as connected to the particular MFP10based on the communication information105acquired at Step S303, in the manner described usingFIG. 15(Step S304), and requests the device performance information104from the MFP10(Step S305). In response to the request, the MFP10sends the device performance information104stored, for example, in the ROM1001or the HDD1020to the smart device20via the network30(Step S306).

The smart device20acquires the device performance information104sent from the MFP10, and stores the acquired device performance information104, for example, in the device performance information DB204in the storing unit203in a manner associated with the model ID included in the communication information105acquired at Step S303described above (Step S307).

After storing the device performance information104acquired from the MFP10in the device performance information DB204in a manner associated with the model ID, the smart device20follows the process at Step S17ofFIG. 8to determine, based on the model ID, whether the device performance information104associated with the model ID includes a specific item (or items). If it is determined that the device performance information104includes a specific item (or items), the smart device20displays the alert display431and the specific item setting screen430illustrated inFIG. 12on the display (Step S308). According to an operation (or operations) on the specific item setting screen430, the setting(s) of the specific item (or items) is (are) made (Step S309).

The smart device20is connected to the particular MFP10via the network30at Step S304described above. In that state, the smart device20sends a print request to the particular MFP10via the network30(Step S310). In response to the print request, the MFP10performs printing (Step S311).

Thus, according to the first modification of the first embodiment, even if the smart device20has not stored in advance the device performance information104of the particular MFP10, the smart device20can set the item (or items) specific to the particular MFP10, and instruct the printing.

Second Modification of First Embodiment

A second modification of the first embodiment will be described. The processing according to the first embodiment has been described above to be executed, for example, by standalone application software (hereinafter, called an application) that is invoked from the function selection screen400illustrated inFIG. 9. The processing is, however, not limited to this example. In other words, the processing according to the first embodiment can be executed by being invoked from another application.

FIG. 18illustrates an example of the architecture of the software in the smart device20. A layer above an operating system (OS)500is a library501, and a layer above the library501consists of an application layer502including applications A, B, C, and so on. To use a function of another application, each of the applications A, B, C, and so on sends a start request for a part of the other application with the function to be used, such as a part including the function to be used, to the OS500via the library501. In response to the request, the OS500starts the part of the other application via the library501.

For example, assume that the application A is an application that executes the processing according to the first embodiment, and consider a case in which the other application B performs printing using the particular MFP10. In this case, the application A is first registered in advance in the OS500and the library501as an application that performs printing in the MFP10via the network30. If the application B selects, for example, printing of a document, a printing instruction is output from the application B and sent to the OS500via the library501. The OS500sends the received printing instruction to the registered application A.

After receiving the printing instruction from the application B, the application A follows, for example, the above-described processing at Step S14ofFIG. 8to display the common item setting screen410illustrated inFIG. 10on the display of the smart device20. Subsequently, the application A executes the processing of Step S15and later inFIG. 8to acquire the communication information105from the particular MFP10intended to perform printing and determine whether the MFP10includes a specific item (or items), and furthermore, establishes the communication with the particular MFP10via the network30. If the particular MFP10includes a specific item (or items), the application A displays the alert display431and the specific item setting screen430illustrated inFIG. 12. After the various print parameters are set by user operations, the application A transfers the printing instruction to the OS500.

Having a configuration such as that of the second modification of the first embodiment allows the various applications installed on the smart device20to easily use the functions of the particular MFP10connected to the smart device20via the network30, thus improving convenience of the user.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment and the modifications thereof described above allow the smart device20to use the functions of the MFP10by storing the communication information105including the model ID of the particular MFP10in the IC tag that is configured as a device external to the MFP10, and performing the near field communication between the IC tag and the smart device20. The second embodiment has instead a configuration in which the communication information105is stored in the storing unit embedded in the MFP10, and, in addition, a near field wireless connection unit is embedded in the MFP10.

FIG. 19is a functional block diagram of an example for explaining functions of an MFP according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 19, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 2explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 19, in this MFP10′, a near field wireless connection unit102′ for performing the near field communication and the storing unit103storing the communication information105are connected to the overall control unit100. InFIG. 19, the storing unit103also stores therein the device performance information104. A position in the MFP10′ that allows easy near field communication with the smart device20is selected as a mounting position of the NFC R/W1051(refer toFIG. 20) used by the near field wireless connection unit102′ to perform the communication.

FIG. 20illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP10′ according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 20, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 6explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 20, the MFP10′ is provided with an NFC unit1050and an NFC reader/writer (R/W)1051instead of the NFC chip1041ofFIG. 6. In the example ofFIG. 20, the NFC R/W1051is provided in an operation unit1040′. The NFC unit1050includes a memory and a communication control unit for the near field communication. The NFC R/W1051includes an antenna for performing the near field communication. The NFC R/W1051performs start control of the NFC unit1050, and reads and writes data from/to the memory included in the NFC unit1050.

The configuration of the second embodiment allows the MFP10′ and the smart device20to bi-directionally communicate with each other via the near field communication. For example, when the smart device20performs the near field communication with a particular MFP10′, the smart device20notifies the particular MFP10′ of a function selected on the smart device20. In response to the notification, the particular MFP10′ extracts only a part of the device performance information104corresponding to the function given notice of from the device performance information104representing all functions of the particular MFP10′, and stores the extracted information in a storage area for near field communication that stores therein information to be sent via the near field communication. For example, the memory in the NFC unit1050can be used as the storage area for near field communication. This is not limited to the memory, but the RAM1002or the HDD1020may be used as the storage area for near field communication.

FIG. 21illustrates an example of the information stored in the storage area for near field communication according to the second embodiment. The following description assumes that the scan function is selected on the smart device20.FIG. 21illustrates an example in which the device performance information104for the scan function specified by the smart device20is stored together with the communication information105in the storage area for near field communication. Information corresponding to a function selected on the smart device20is dynamically set as the device performance information104inFIG. 21in the storage area for near field communication.

During the near field communication with the smart device20, the particular MFP10′ sends, to the smart device20, the device performance information104for the scan function and the communication information105that are stored in the storage area for near field communication. The smart device20stores in advance the device performance information104representing functions common to a plurality of MFPs10′, and compares the device performance information104representing the common functions with the device performance information104sent from the particular MFP10′ to extract information representing a specific item (or items) included in the device performance information104sent from the particular MFP10′.

With the configuration described above, the smart device20needs to store only the device performance information104common to a plurality of MFPs10′, so that the capacity of the storing unit203can be reduced. The quantity of information transmitted via the near field communication can also be reduced by sending only the device performance information104for the selected function, together with the communication information105.

FIG. 22illustrates an example of communication processing according to the second embodiment. A description will be given of an example of using the scan function in the particular MFP10′ from the smart device20. The user first sets a document to be scanned on the particular MFP10′ (Step S400). The user performs certain operations on the smart device20, whereby the function selection screen400is displayed on the display of the smart device20.

The user performs an operation of selecting the scan function, and, in response to the operation, the smart device20displays the common item setting screen for the scan function that corresponds to the common item setting screen410displayed inFIG. 10when the print function ofFIG. 10is selected. According to user operations on the common item setting screen for the scan function, the smart device20sets parameters for scanning (Step S401).

After the scan parameters are set on the common item setting screen for the scan function, the smart device20displays the operation guide screen420illustrated in FIG.11on the display. When, in response to this display, the user holds the smart device20at the communication position (position of the NFC R/W1051) of the particular MFP10′ (Step S402), the near field communication starts between the smart device20and the NFC R/W1051of the MFP10′. Using the near field communication, the particular MFP10′ requests information representing the selected function from the smart device20(Step S403). In response to the request, the smart device20sends the information representing that the scan function is selected to the particular MFP10′ via the near field communication (Step S404).

In response to the notice on function sent from the smart device20at Step S404, the particular MFP10′ extracts only a part of the device performance information104related to the scan function from the device performance information104, and stores the extracted part of the device performance information104in the storage area for near field communication (Step S405). The storage area for near field communication already stores therein the communication information105.

The smart device20requests the device performance information104from the particular MFP10′ via the near field communication (Step S406). In response to the request, the particular MFP10′ sends the device performance information104for the scan function and the communication information105that are stored in the storage area for near field communication, to the smart device20, via the near field communication (Step S407).

The smart device20compares the device performance information104for the scan function sent from the particular MFP10′ with the common device performance information related to the scan function stored in advance in the storing unit203, and determines whether the particular MFP10′ includes a specific item (or items) for the scan function. If it is determined that the particular MFP10′ includes a specific item, the smart device20displays an alert display and the specific item setting screen for the scan function on the display (Step S408). According to an operation (or operations) on the specific item setting screen430, the specific item (or items) is (are) set (Step S409).

FIG. 23illustrates an example of the alert display for the scan function according to the second embodiment. InFIG. 23, a common item setting screen630is provided with buttons611a,611b, and611cfor setting common specified items that can be specified in common among the models for the scan function, and also provided with a button633. The button633is a button for specifying a file format in which image data obtained using the scan function is saved. For example, operating the button633displays a file format selection screen for specifying a file format to save in.

In the example ofFIG. 23, an alert display631is also displayed on the common item setting screen630. In this example, the alert display631is provided with a message that identifies the specific item for the scan function of the MFP10′ and prompts to select whether to make a setting for the specific item, and also provided with buttons for performing the selection. In the example ofFIG. 23, the alert display631shows a question of whether to select a file format of “JPEG 2000” as the specific item for the scan function of the MFP10′.

In the example ofFIG. 23, if an operation is performed on the alert display631to choose to execute the selection of the specific item, that is, the file format of “JPEG 2000”, an item for selecting the file format of “JPEG 2000” that is specific to the model of the MFP10′ is added to the selection items for file formats that are common to the other models, on the file format selection screen that is displayed, for example, by operating the button633.

Based on the communication information105acquired at Step S407, the smart device20connects to the same network30as connected to the particular MFP10′, in the manner as described usingFIG. 15(Step S410). The smart device20requests the particular MFP10′ via the network30to perform a scan operation (Step S411). In response to this operation start request, the particular MFP10′ performs the scan operation (Step S412).

The second embodiment can be combined with the execution from another application according to the second modification of the first embodiment described above.

The above embodiments have been described on the assumption that the smart device20uses the communication information105acquired from the MFP10or the MFP10′ via the near field communication to perform communication with the MFP10or the MFP10′ via the network30. The present invention is, however, not limited to this example. The smart device20may communicate with the MFP10or the MFP10′ not via the network30, but via a wireless communication, such as a communication using Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark).

The first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment have been described above on the assumption that the smart device20uses the functions of the MFP10that visualizes image data by forming an image on the medium intended for forming an image thereon according to the image data. The present invention is, however, not limited to this example. The first embodiment, the modifications of the first embodiment, and the second embodiment as described above can be applied to a case in which the smart device20uses, for example, functions of a projector that visualizes image data by converting the image data into light using a light modulation device and projecting the light onto a projection target medium.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described.FIG. 24schematically illustrates an image processing system according to the third embodiment. InFIG. 24, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 1explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As illustrated inFIG. 24, the third embodiment is an example obtained by replacing the MFP10in the image processing system according to the first embodiment described usingFIG. 1with a projector40. The projector40is an image visualization device that has a function of converting externally supplied image data into a projection image and projecting the projection image so as to display (visualize) the image data on the projection target medium.

InFIG. 24, the projector40includes an image projection function41and an audio output function42. The projector40is connected to the network30using, for example, a LAN so as to be capable of wiredly or wirelessly communicating therewith. A smart device20′ is obtained by adding an audio processing function to the smart device20described above.

FIG. 25illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the projector40according to the third embodiment. The projector40includes a CPU4000, a ROM4001, a RAM4002, a storage4003, a communication I/F4004, an external I/F4005, and an operation unit4006. The projector40also includes an image processing unit4007, a drive unit4008, an interface according to the National Television System Committee (NTSC I/F)4010, a video graphics array interface (VGA I/F)4011, and an audio reproducing unit4012. The above-mentioned units included in the projector40are connected via a bus4040so as to be capable of communicating with each other.

The projector40further includes a light source4020, an illumination optical system4021, a light modulation device4022, an imaging optical system4023, and a speaker4013.

The storage4003is, for example, a flash memory or a hard disk drive, and can store therein data in a nonvolatile manner. The CPU4000follows a computer program stored in advance in the ROM4001and uses the RAM4002as a work memory to control the operation of the projector40. The storage4003stores therein, for example, setting data for operating the projector40. The storage4003may also store therein a computer program for operating the CPU4000.

The communication I/F4004follows commands of the CPU4000to control the communication with the network30. The external I/F4005is an interface, such as a USB interface, for connecting to external devices. The audio reproducing unit4012converts audio data supplied via the bus4040into an audio signal in an analog form through a digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, then performs certain audio processing including amplification processing, and drives the speaker4013. While the example ofFIG. 25illustrates that the projector40incorporates the speaker4013, the present invention is not limited to this example. The speaker4013may be, for example, connected as an external device to the projector40.

The VGA I/F4011receives externally supplied video signals conforming to the video graphics array (VGA) standard (hereinafter, called VGA video signals), then converts the VGA video signals into image data represented by digital video signals of red, green, and blue (RGB) colors through an analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion, and outputs the image data to the bus4040. The NTSC I/F4010A/D-converts externally supplied National Television System Committee (NTSC) type video signals (hereinafter, called NTSC video signals), then further converts the composite signals into image data represented by digital video signals of RGB colors, and outputs the image data to the bus4040. The types of video signals supported by the projector40are not limited to the VGA type and the NTSC type.

The operation unit4006is provided with various operation elements for the user to operate the projector40. For example, the operation unit4006is provided with a power button for switching on and off the projector40and an input signal switching button for switching the input path of image data and other buttons. The input signal switching button is a button for switching the input path of image data, for example, among the VGA I/F4011, the NTSC I/F4010, the network30(communication I/F4004), and the external I/F4005.

The image processing unit4007generates image signals for projection from the image data received via the bus4040. Based on the image signals for projection received from the image processing unit4007, the drive unit4008generates drive signals for driving the light modulation device4022. For example, a transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD) can be used as the light modulation device4022. The type of the light modulation device usable for the projector40is not limited to the LCD type. When the LCD is used as the light modulation device4022, the drive unit4008controls on and off of transmission of light for each pixel of the LCD according to the image data.

The illumination optical system4021includes, for example, a plurality of lenses, and irradiates the light modulation device4022with light emitted from the light source4020. By being driven by the drive unit4008, the light modulation device4022modulates the light emitted from the illumination optical system4021to convert the light into light of the projection image according to the image data, and emits the converted light. The imaging optical system4023includes, for example, a plurality of lenses, and irradiates a projection target medium4050with the light of the projection image coming from the light modulation device4022so as to project the projection image onto the projection target medium4050in an enlarging manner.

An NFC chip4030is an IC tag having the function of the near field communication described above, and includes a memory and a communication unit for performing the near field communication. The NFC chip4030is a device external to the projector40, and is, for example, pasted to the projector40.

FIG. 26is a functional block diagram for explaining the functions of the projector40according to the third embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 26, the projector40includes an overall control unit4100, a network connection unit4101, a near field wireless connection unit4102, a storing unit4103, device performance information4104, an image projection unit4111, a two-screen control unit4112, an audio processing unit4113, and an image processing unit4114.

The overall control unit4100includes the CPU4000, the ROM4001, the RAM4002, and the storage4003. In the overall control unit4100, the CPU4000follows a computer program stored in advance in the ROM4001and uses the RAM4002as a work memory to control the overall operation of the projector40with reference to the setting data stored in the storage4003.

The image projection unit4111implements the function of projecting the image based on the image data, as the projection image, out of the projector40. The two-screen control unit4112implements a function of combining pieces of image data supplied from two external devices so as to simultaneously project two images based on the pieces of image data into one projection image. For example, the two-screen control unit4112combines the pieces of image data supplied from the two external devices so as to arrange the images based on the pieces of image data side by side into one image.

Hereinafter, the projection method of simultaneously projecting the two images into one projection image is called two-screen display, and a projection method of projecting one image into one projection image is called one-screen display.

The audio processing unit4113implements the function of converting the audio data into a signal in a form that can drive the speaker4013. For example, the audio processing unit4113converts the audio data into the audio signal in the analog form through the D/A conversion, and drives the speaker4013.

The image processing unit4114applies certain image processing to image data. The image processing unit4114can apply, for example, image processing, such as decoding processing, to image data supplied from external devices.

In the third embodiment, the near field wireless connection unit4102and the storing unit4103are provided in the NFC chip4030, which is pasted to the housing of the projector40. The storing unit4103stores in advance communication information4105to be used when the smart device20′ performs the communication with the projector40via the network30. The near field wireless connection unit4102can read the communication information4105from the storing unit4103according to a request received via the near field communication, and can send the communication information4105to a communication partner of the near field communication.

When the user holds the smart device20′ near the position of the NFC chip4030of the projector40, the near field communication is performed between the smart device20′ and the NFC chip4030. Using the near field communication, the smart device20′ can, for example, read information stored in the storing unit4103of the NFC chip4030.

The storing unit4103of the NFC chip4030stores in advance a model ID serving as identification information that can identify the model of the projector40and the communication information4105to be used by the smart device20′ for communicating with the projector40via the network30. The communication information4105includes, for example, the items of the communication information105described usingFIG. 4.

The device performance information4104corresponds to the device performance information104described in the first embodiment.FIG. 27illustrates an example of the device performance information4104according to the third embodiment.FIG. 27illustrates the device performance information4104such that settable performance information on the functions (the image projection function and the audio output function) of the projector40is associated with the model ID for identifying the projector40. The settable performance information is information for each of the models of the projector40, and may vary depending on the model of the projector40.

In the example ofFIG. 27, items of “One-Screen Display” and “Two-Screen Display” are defined as the settable performance information for the image projection function.

The smart device20′ according to third embodiment will be described.FIG. 28illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the smart device20′ according to the third embodiment. InFIG. 28, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 7explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 28, the smart device20′ according to the third embodiment has a configuration obtained by adding an audio input unit2008to the configuration of the smart device20according to the first embodiment. The audio input unit2008includes, for example, a microphone, and, after converting an audio signal in the analog form output from the microphone into audio data through the A/D conversion, outputs the audio data to the bus2010. The present invention is not limited to this, but the audio input unit2008may read audio data stored in the storage2007and output the audio data to the bus2010, or may synthesize audio data and output it. The audio input unit2008may further have a function of encoding the audio data into a compressed form.

FIG. 29is a functional block diagram of an example illustrating functions of the smart device20′ according to the third embodiment. InFIG. 29, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 5explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. As illustrated inFIG. 29, the smart device20′ according to the third embodiment has an audio processing unit205of processing the audio data in addition to the functions of the smart device20according to the first embodiment. The audio processing unit205includes the A/D conversion function of converting the audio signal in the analog form into the audio data and the function of encoding the audio data into a compressed form. On the smart device20′ according to the third embodiment, an overall control unit200′ and a UI unit210′ have slightly different functions from those of the overall control unit200and the UI unit210, respectively, in the smart device20according to the first embodiment.

The smart device20′ stores in advance, in the device performance information DB204in the storing unit203, the settable device performance information4104of the projector40, for one or more models of the projector40, in a manner associated with the model ID or IDs.

If the device performance information DB204stores therein the device performance information4104of a plurality of models of the projector40, the smart device20′ extracts settable device performance information common to pieces of the device performance information4104of the models of the projector40based on the stored device performance information4104. Based on the model ID acquired from the projector40via the near field communication, the smart device20′ searches the device performance information DB204for the device performance information4104associated with the model ID. If the device performance information4104read from the device performance information DB204includes settable device performance information of a specific item (or items) that is (are) not included in the settable device performance information common to the pieces of the device performance information of the models of the projector40, the smart device20′ displays the settable device performance information of the specific item (or items) on the UI unit210′.

The functions of the overall control unit200′, the network connection unit201, the near field wireless connection unit202, and the UI unit210′ included in the smart device20′ are implemented by a computer program operated on the CPU2000. This program is called a projector application program (hereinafter, abbreviated as projector app). The projector application may further include the function of the audio processing unit205.

The projector application according to the third embodiment is not limited to the example of being stored in advance in the ROM2001, but may be configured to be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a communication network, such as the Internet, and being downloaded via the communication network. The projector application may also be provided or distributed via a communication network, such as the Internet.

The processing according to the third embodiment will be more specifically described.FIG. 30illustrates a flowchart of an example process in the smart device20′ according to the third embodiment. An example will be described in which a user A uses a function of a particular projector40from the smart device20′ held by the user A.

Prior to the processing of the flowchart inFIG. 30, the user A operates the smart device20′ to start the projector application, and select a file that stores image data to be projected using the particular projector40, for example, from files stored in the storage2007included in the smart device20′.

In the flowchart ofFIG. 30, at Step S40, the UI unit210′ displays the common item setting screen for making settings common to a plurality of models, on the display of the operation unit2004.FIG. 31illustrates an example of the common item setting screen. InFIG. 31, this common item setting screen4200is provided with buttons4201aand4201bfor setting common specified items that can be specified in common among the models. Pressing an end button4202notifies the UI unit210′ of an end of making the various settings on the common item setting screen4200.

On the common item setting screen4200, the button4201ais an image projection button for specifying projection display of an image based on the image data sent from the smart device20′, and the button4201bis an audio output button for specifying output of a sound from the speaker4013based on the audio data sent from the smart device20′. Either one or both of the buttons4201aand4201bmay be operated. To perform both the image projection and the audio output, both of the buttons4201aand4201bare operated.

The UI unit210′ waits for a selection input of a function by operations of the buttons4201aand4201b, and the end button4202(Step S41). If determining that the selection input of a function is not made, the UI unit210′ returns the process to Step S41. If at least one of the buttons4201aand4201bis operated and then the end button4202is operated, the UI unit210′ determines that the selection input of a function is made, and performs processing at Step S42.

For example, if the user A operates the button4201aand then the end button4202, the UI unit210′ determines that the selection input of a function is made, and performs the processing at Step S42. At Step S42, the UI unit210′ displays, on the display of the operation unit2004, an operation guide screen4210for prompting to start the near field communication, as illustrated inFIG. 32. In the example ofFIG. 32, the operation guide screen4210displays a message4211prompting to start the near field communication.

On the smart device20′, the UI unit210′ determines whether the communication information4105is acquired from the storing unit4103in the IC tag via the near field communication performed with the IC tag (NFC chip4030) of the projector40(Step S43). The UI unit210′ repeats the processing of Step S43until the communication information4105is acquired from the IC tag.

For example, when the user A holds the smart device20′ near the position of the IC tag, the near field communication is performed between the smart device20′ and the IC tag, and the UI unit210′ acquires the communication information4105and the model ID from the storing unit4103in the IC tag. If it is determined that the communication information4105is acquired, the UI unit210′ performs processing at Step S44.

At Step S44, the UI unit210′ determines whether the particular projector40includes a specific item (or items). For example, based on the acquired model ID, the UI unit210′ searches the device performance information DB204stored in the storing unit203for the device performance information4104corresponding to the model ID. If the device performance information DB204stores a plurality of pieces of the device performance information4104for a plurality of model IDs, the UI unit210′ extracts the settable performance information common to the pieces of the device performance information.

The UI unit210′ compares the settable performance information common to the extracted pieces of the device performance information with the settable performance information included in the device performance information4104found based on the model ID acquired via the near field communication. As a result of this comparison, the UI unit210′ acquires, as the specific item (or items) of the particular projector40, the settable performance information that is present in the settable performance information included in the device performance information4104found based on the model ID acquired via the near field communication, but is not present in the settable performance information common to the pieces of the device performance information.

If it is determined that the particular projector40includes a specific item (or items), the UI unit210′ performs processing at Step S45. At Step S45, the UI unit210′ displays, on the display of the operation unit2004, a specific item setting screen for making a setting (or settings) for the item (or items) specific to the particular projector40. At this point, the UI unit210′ displays, on the display of the operation unit2004, an alert display for prompting to specify whether to make a setting for the specific item (or each of the specific items) of the particular projector40.

FIG. 33illustrates an example of displaying the alert display. A description will be made by taking the two-screen display as an example of the specific item of the particular projector40, the two-screen display being a method that simultaneously projects two images arranged side by side into one projection image. In the example ofFIG. 33, an alert display4230is displayed so as to overlap a common item setting screen4200′ on which the button4201ais in an operated state (as indicated with shading inFIG. 33). The alert display4230is provided with buttons4231aand4231bfor specifying whether to set the two-screen display.

As a first example, a case will be described in which the two-screen display is not set (the one-screen display is to be performed) on the alert display4230. When using the particular projector40from only one smart device20′, the user A operates, for example, the button4231bto specify that the two-screen display is not to be set. In this case, the UI unit210′ displays the common item setting screen4200′ on the display of the operation unit2004, as illustrated inFIG. 34. The common item setting screen4200′ is provided with a projection button4221, instead of the end button4202on the common item setting screen4200illustrated inFIG. 31.

Suppose that the user A operates the projection button4221on the common item setting screen4200′ while the button4201afor specifying the image projection is in the operated state. In this case, the network connection unit201of the smart device20′ establishes the communication with the projector40via the network30, according to the already acquired communication information4105. After the communication is established, the UI unit210′ encodes the image data to be projected that is stored in the already selected file into a compressed form, and sends the result from the communication I/F2005to the particular projector40, using the network connection unit201. If the image data represents a still image, a method of the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG method) can be used as a compression coding method.

The UI unit210′ can display the data of the already selected file storing the image data to be projected, on the display of the operation unit2004. For example, the UI unit210′ displays a preview of an image based on the image data stored in the file by reducing the display size of the image data and displaying the result on the display of the operation unit2004.

The particular projector40receives the image data sent from the smart device20′ via the communication I/F4004, using the network connection unit4101. The image projection unit4111in the particular projector40decodes the compressed code of the received image data, and projects the result onto the projection target medium4050.

As a second example, a case will be described, with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 30, in which the two-screen display is set on the alert display4230at Step S45. The description here assumes that the processing described above has already projected the image (called a projection image #1) based on the image data sent from the smart device20′ of the user A. As an example, a case will be described in which a user B uses another smart device20′ (hereinafter, called the other smart device20′) held by the user B to project and display an image (called a projection image #2) based on image data stored in a file stored in the other smart device20′ from the particular projector40.

In this case, setting the two-screen display by the user B allows the projector40to simultaneously project the projection images #1 and #2 (for example, so as to be arranged in the horizontal direction) into one projection image. If the user B sets the one-screen display, the projector40switches the projected image from the already projected projection image #1 to the projection image #2.

Prior to the processing of the flowchart inFIG. 30, the user B operates the other smart device20′ to start the projector application, and select a file that stores image data to be projected using the projector40.

The other smart device20′ subsequently performs the above-described processes of Steps S40to S45in the same manner as described above. Specifically, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ (hereinafter, called the other UI unit210′) displays the common item setting screen4200at Step S40, and, if determining that the selection input of a function is made at Step S41, displays the operation guide screen4210at the next step, Step S42. According to the display of the operation guide screen4210, the other smart device20′ is held near the position of the IC tag of the particular projector40, so that the near field communication is performed between the other smart device20′ and the IC tag of the projector40. Using the near field communication, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ acquires the communication information4105and the model ID from the storing unit4103in the IC tag (Step S43).

The other UI unit210′ searches the device performance information DB204based on the acquired model ID, and determines whether the particular projector40includes a specific item (or items) (Step S44). In this case, the particular projector40includes a specific item, so that the other UI unit210′ displays the alert display4230for prompting to specify whether to set the two-screen display that is the specific item of the particular projector40(Step S45).

On the alert display4230, the user B operates the button4231ato specify the setting of the two-screen display so as to project the projection image #2 based on the file selected by the user B together with the projection image #1 already projected by the user A. In response to the operation of the button4231a, the other UI unit210′ displays a projection position selection screen4240illustrated inFIG. 35, on the display of the operation unit2004.

In the example ofFIG. 35, the projection position selection screen4240is provided with buttons4241aand4241bfor specifying the projection position of the projection image in the two-screen display, and with a projection button4242. The button4241aspecifies the projection position of the projection image to be on the left side (screen (1)) in the two-screen display. The button4241bspecifies the projection position of the projection image to be on the right side (screen (2)) in the two-screen display.

For example, if the user B operates the button4241bto specify the right side as the projection position of the projection image and operates the projection button4242, the network connection unit201of the other smart device20′ establishes the communication with the particular projector40according to the communication information4105acquired at Step S43. After the communication is established, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ uses the network connection unit201to send, to the particular projector40, a two-screen display command including information indicating the specified projection position of the projection image (the right side, in this example). The projector40receives the two-screen display command.

The two-screen control unit4112in the particular projector40follows the received two-screen display command to switch the projection of the image by the image projection unit4111to the projection by the method of the two-screen display. For example, the two-screen control unit4112follows the two-screen display command to reduce the size of the image based on the image data of the currently projected projection image #1, and generate image data for two-screen display in which the reduced-size image is arranged on the left side. The image projection unit4111projects the image based on the image data for two-screen display onto the projection target medium4050. The projected image includes the projection image #1 arranged on the left side and, for example, a blank image arranged on the right side.

Then, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ encodes the image data to be projected stored in the already selected file into a compressed form, and sends the result to the particular projector40. The other UI unit210′ displays also a preview of the image based on the image data stored in the file by reducing the display size of the image data and displaying the result on the display of the operation unit2004.

After the particular projector40receives the image data sent from the other smart device20′, the image processing unit4114decodes the compressed code of the received image data, and transfers the decoded image data to the two-screen control unit4112. The two-screen control unit4112reduces the size of the image based on the image data transferred from the image processing unit4114, and combines the image data with the image data for two-screen display so that the reduced-size image is arranged on the right side of the image of the projection image #1, thus updating the image data for two-screen display. The image projection unit4111projects the updated image data for two-screen display onto the projection target medium4050. The projected image is an image in which the projection image #1 is arranged on the left side, and the projection image #2 based on the image data sent from the other smart device20′ is arranged on the right side.

If the button4201bfor specifying the audio output is operated on the common item setting screen4200(at Step S40) or the common item setting screen4200′ (at Step S45), the smart device20′ can send the audio data to the particular projector40. For example, the smart device20′ incorporates a microphone, and captures sound with the microphone. The microphone converts the captured sound into an audio signal in an analog form, and feeds it to the audio input unit2008.

On the smart device20′, the audio processing unit205converts the audio signal fed to the audio input unit2008into audio data through the A/D conversion. The audio processing unit205further encodes the converted audio data into a compressed form, and transfers the result to the UI unit210′. For example, a method of the Moving Picture Experts Group-1 Audio Layer-3 (MP3 method) can be used as a compression coding method for the audio data. The UI unit210′ uses the network connection unit201to send the compression-coded audio data to the particular projector40.

The particular projector40receives the audio data sent from the smart device20′ via the communication I/F4004, using the network connection unit4101. The audio processing unit4113in the particular projector40decodes the compressed code of the received audio data, and further converts the decoded audio data into an audio signal in an analog form through the D/A conversion. The audio signal in the analog form is amplified by the audio reproducing unit4012, and fed to the speaker4013.

For example, if both the image projection and the audio output are specified on the common item setting screen4200(at Step S40) or the common item setting screen4200′ (at Step S45), the user can, for example, output the sound captured by the microphone incorporated in the smart device20′ from the speaker4013of the particular projector40, while projecting the image based on the image data sent from the smart device20′, onto the projection target medium4050, using the particular projector40.

The user A can specify the image projection on the smart device20′ of the user A, and the user B can specify the audio output on the other smart device20′ of the user B. In this case, the particular projector40can project the image based on the image data sent from the smart device20′ onto the projection target medium4050, and can output the sound based on the audio data sent from the other smart device20′ from the speaker4013.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The fourth embodiment corresponds to the second embodiment described above, and has a configuration in which the communication information4105is stored in the storing unit embedded in the projector40, and, in addition, a near field wireless connection unit is embedded in the projector40. The fourth embodiment can use the smart device20′ described in the third embodiment without any modification.

FIG. 36illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of a projector40′ according to the fourth embodiment. InFIG. 36, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 25explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. InFIG. 36, the projector40′ is provided with an NFC unit4061and an NFC R/W4060instead of the NFC chip4030ofFIG. 25. The NFC unit4061includes a memory, and a communication control unit for the near field communication. The NFC R/W4060includes an antenna for performing the near field communication. The NFC R/W4060performs start control of the NFC unit4061, and reads and writes data from/to the memory included in the NFC unit4061.

FIG. 37is a functional block diagram for explaining functions of the projector40′ according to the fourth embodiment. InFIG. 37, the same reference numerals are given to parts in common with those ofFIG. 26explained above, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

InFIG. 37, in the projector40′, a near field wireless connection unit4102′ for performing the near field communication and the storing unit4103storing the communication information4105are connected to an overall control unit4100′. InFIG. 37, the storing unit4103also stores therein the device performance information4104. A position in the projector40′ that allows easy near field communication with the smart device20′ is selected as a mounting position of the NFC R/W4060used by the near field wireless connection unit4102′ to perform the communication.

The configuration of the fourth embodiment allows the projector40′ and the smart device20′ to bi-directionally communicate with each other via the near field communication. If the smart device20′ queries the particular projector40′ about the device performance information, the particular projector40′ stores the device performance information4104representing all functions of the particular projector40′ in a storage area for near field communication that serves as a storage area for storing information to be sent via the near field communication. The storage area for near field communication may also store therein the communication information4105. The storage area for near field communication can use the memory included in the NFC unit4061. The projector40′ is not limited to this, but may use the RAM4002or the storage4003as the storage area for near field communication.

During the near field communication with the smart device20′, the particular projector40′ sends the device performance information4104and the communication information4105that are stored in the storage area for near field communication, to the smart device20′. The smart device20′ stores in advance the device performance information4104representing functions common to a plurality of projectors40′, and compares the device performance information4104representing the common functions with the device performance information4104sent from the particular projector40′ to extract information representing a specific item (or items) included in the device performance information4104sent from the particular projector40′.

Processing according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 30. Prior to the processing of the flowchart inFIG. 30, the user A operates the smart device20′ held by the user A to start the projector application, and select a file that stores image data to be projected using the projector40′.

The UI unit210′ displays the common item setting screen4200at Step S40, and, if determining that the selection input of a function is made at Step S41, displays the operation guide screen4210at the next step, Step S42. According to the display of the operation guide screen4210, the smart device20′ is held near the position of the near field wireless connection unit4102′ (position of the NFC R/W4060) of the particular projector40′, so that the near field communication is performed between the smart device20′ and the near field wireless connection unit4102′ of the projector40′. During the near field communication, the particular projector40′ sends the device performance information4104and the communication information4105that are stored in the storage area for near field communication, to the smart device20′.

The UI unit210′ uses the near field communication to acquire the communication information4105and the model ID (Step S43), and also to acquire the device performance information4104. The UI unit210′ searches the device performance information DB204based on the acquired model ID, and determines whether the particular projector40′ includes a specific item (or items) (Step S44). If it is determined that the particular projector40′ includes a specific item, the UI unit210′ displays, on the display of the operation unit2004, the alert display4230for prompting to specify whether to set the two-screen display that is the specific item of the particular projector40′ (Step S45).

For example, if the user A operates the button4231bon the alert display4230to specify that the two-screen display is not to be set, the UI unit210′ displays the common item setting screen4200′ on the display of the operation unit2004. If, on the common item setting screen4200′, the projection button4221is operated while the button4201afor specifying the image projection is in the operated state, the network connection unit201of the smart device20′ establishes the communication with the particular projector40′ according to the already acquired communication information4105. After the communication is established, the UI unit210′ encodes the image data to be projected that is stored in the already selected file into a compressed form, and sends the result to the particular projector40′. The UI unit210′ also displays an image based on data of the already selected file, such as image data stored in the file, on the display of the operation unit2004.

After receiving the image data sent from the smart device20′, the particular projector40′ decodes the compressed code of the received image data, and projects the result as the projection image #1 onto the projection target medium4050, using the image projection unit4111.

A case will be described, with reference to the flowchart ofFIG. 30, in which the user B uses the smart device20′ of the user B (the other smart device20′) to perform the two-screen display on the particular projector40′ that is projecting the projection image #1. Prior to the processing of the flowchart inFIG. 30, the user B operates the other smart device20′ to start the projector application, and select a file that stores image data to be projected using the particular projector40′.

The other smart device20′ subsequently performs the display of the common item setting screen4200(Step S40), the determination of whether the selection input of a function is made (Step S41), and the display of the operation guide screen4210(Step S42), in the same manner as described above. When the other smart device20′ is held near the position of the near field wireless connection unit4102′ (position of the NFC R/W4060) of the particular projector40′, the other smart device20′ performs the near field communication with the NFC R/W4060of the particular projector40′. During the near field communication, the other smart device20′ queries the particular projector40′ about the device performance information. The particular projector40′ sends the communication information4105and the device performance information4104that is stored in the storage area for near field communication, to the other smart device20′. The other smart device20′ receives and acquires the device performance information4104and the communication information4105sent from the particular projector40′ (Step S43).

The other smart device20′ compares the device performance information4104sent from the particular projector40′ with the common device performance information stored in advance in the storing unit4103, and determines whether the particular projector40′ includes a specific item (or items) (Step S44). In this example, the other smart device20′ determines that the particular projector40′ has a two-screen display function as a specific item, and displays the alert display4230for prompting to specify whether to set the two-screen display, on the display of the operation unit2004.

In the same manner as described above, if the setting of the two-screen display is specified on the alert display4230, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ displays the projection position selection screen4240on the display of the operation unit2004. If the right side is specified as the projection position of the projection image and also the projection is specified by operations of the user B on the projection position selection screen4240, the other smart device20′ establishes the communication with the particular projector40′ according to the acquired communication information4105. After the communication is established, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ sends a two-screen display command including information indicating the specified projection position of the projection image (the right side, in this example), to the particular projector40′.

The two-screen control unit4112in the particular projector40′ follows the two-screen display command to switch the projection of the image by the image projection unit4111to the projection by the method of the two-screen display. For example, the two-screen control unit4112reduces the size of the image based on the image data of the currently projected projection image #1, and generates image data for two-screen display in which the reduced-size image is arranged on the left side; and the image projection unit4111projects the image based on the image data for two-screen display onto the projection target medium4050.

Then, the UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ encodes the image data stored in the already selected file into a compressed form, and sends the result to the particular projector40′. The UI unit210′ of the other smart device20′ reduces the display size of the image data stored in the file and displays the result on the display of the operation unit2004.

The image processing unit4114in the particular projector40′ receives the image data sent from the other smart device20′, and, after decoding the compressed code of the image data, transfers the decoded image data to the two-screen control unit4112. The two-screen control unit4112reduces the size of the image based on the image data transferred from the image processing unit4114, and combines the image data with the image data for two-screen display so that the reduced-size image is arranged on the right side of the image of the projection image #1, thus updating the image data for two-screen display. The image projection unit4111projects the updated image data for two-screen display onto the projection target medium4050.

Also in the fourth embodiment, the processing on the audio data can be performed in the same manner as in the third embodiment described above.

In each of the third and the fourth embodiments described above, the case have been described in which the projector40(or40′) projects and displays the image based on the image data stored in the smart device20′. The present invention is, however, not limited to this example. The third and the fourth embodiments can be applied in the same manner, for example, to a case of sending the image data stored in the smart device20′ to another display device, such as an electronic blackboard, and displaying thereon an image based on the image data.

The present invention provides an advantageous effect of being capable of improving convenience in using an image visualization device from a smart device.