Communication system, information processing system, image formation system, image forming apparatus, mobile information terminal device and information processing device

Info

Publication number: 20100225962
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 3, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 9, 2010
Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha (Osaka)
Inventors: Masafumi Okigami (Osaka), Masanori Matsumoto (Osaka)
Application Number: 12/660,825

Abstract

After a digital multi-function peripheral establishes a connection with a mobile phone once, it rejects connection establishment requests made to a wireless communication section by other devices. Moreover, after a connection is established with a mobile phone once, the digital multi-function peripheral stops sending of the address of the wireless communication section through a reader/writer. After completing the sending/receiving of data, the digital multi-function peripheral and the mobile phone delete the addresses of their partner devices stored in them, respectively, for use in sending/receiving data.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) on Patent Application No. 2009-049652 filed in Japan on Mar. 3, 2009, No. 2009-061761 filed in Japan on Mar. 13, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device; an information processing system including a communication terminal device and an information processing device; an image formation system including a mobile communication device and an image forming apparatus; an image forming apparatus for obtaining image data from an external device and forming an image; a mobile information terminal device for communicating with an external device; an information processing device for selectively establishing a connection; an information processing system including the information processing device; an image forming apparatus including the information processing device; and an image formation system including the image forming apparatus.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, with the spread of mobile phones having a camera function, it is possible to conveniently take digital pictures anytime anywhere. Moreover, since the capacities of memories included in the mobile phones are larger, the mobile phones are increasingly used as personal storage devices for storing data, such as digital pictures and business documents. With a reduction in the size and thickness of mobile phones, a memory to be included in a mobile phone is realized by a memory about the size of a fingertip or smaller, namely a card-type memory.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267370 discloses a wireless communication method in which when a user moves his/her noncontact ID card (or wireless communication device incorporating a noncontact ID card) close to a card reader/writer section of an image processing apparatus, an IC chip of the noncontact ID card receives weak radio waves including terminal ID indicating the ID of the image processing apparatus, which are always emitted from the card reader/writer section, obtains the terminal ID, and sends the user ID of the noncontact ID card to the image processing apparatus by using the terminal ID.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-32176 discloses a communication system in which when a user moves a mobile phone including a noncontact IC card for communicating with a reader/writer of a personal computer by means of electromagnetic waves close to the personal computer and the noncontact IC card receives electromagnetic waves radiated from the reader/writer, the mobile phone notifies the personal computer of card ID set for the noncontact IC card, and then the personal computer identifies the mobile phone on the basis of the notified card ID and recognizes it as a communication partner.

SUMMARY

On the other hand, as a method for a user to print data such as digital pictures and business documents stored in the memory of a mobile phone, there are a method in which the memory of the mobile phone is connected directly to a reader device of an image forming apparatus, and data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as the printing data) is sent to the image forming apparatus and printed; and a method in which the printing data is sent wirelessly to an image forming apparatus capable of wirelessly communicating with the mobile phone and printed.

In the case where printing is performed by directly connecting the memory of the mobile phone to the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to pull the card-type memory out of the mobile phone and insert it into a memory card reader of the image forming apparatus. Moreover, after the printing is completed, it is necessary to do the extremely time-consuming work of inserting the memory into the mobile phone again. In addition, there is a possibility that the user may forget to remove the memory from the memory card reader of the image forming apparatus after the completion of printing.

Examples of methods for printing the printing data by sending it wirelessly to the image forming apparatus include a method using wireless communication by a Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, a method using wireless communication by a RFID system, and a method using infrared communication between a mobile phone and an image forming apparatus.

In the case of using wireless communication by the Bluetooth technology, both of the mobile phone and the image forming apparatus need to be Bluetooth compatible devices, and it is necessary to perform an operation for setting the two devices to be ready to communicate with each other (authentication). For example, when starting wireless communication by the Bluetooth technology, it is necessary to specify a party to be paired and set the two devices to be ready to communicate with each other by a setup operation, so-called pairing (or bonding).

However, a complicated and time-consuming operation is required for pairing. More specifically, when a user tries to print image data in the memory of the mobile phone by using an image forming apparatus, the user uses the mobile phone to search for an image forming apparatus capable of wirelessly communicating within a range of a given radius (for example, 100 m). Then, the user needs to distinguish a Bluetooth address of a desired image forming apparatus from the Bluetooth addresses of a plurality of image forming apparatuses displayed as search results in the display section of the mobile phone. However, this distinguishing task is very difficult, and even if the user distinguishes the Bluetooth address properly, a small operation is needed thereafter to set the two devices to be ready to communicate with each other.

If the image forming apparatus is a rental image forming apparatus installed in a convenience store etc., it is often the case that each user uses this image forming apparatus for the first time, and the above-mentioned pairing needs to be performed each time a user uses the image forming apparatus for the first time.

On the other hand, in the case where infrared communication is used between a mobile phone and an image forming apparatus, the user needs to hold the mobile phone still for a given period of time while keeping the infrared port of the mobile phone facing the infrared port of the image forming apparatus during wirelessly sending the printing data.

In the case of using wireless communication using a RFID system such as, for example, Felica (registered trademark) and Edy (registered trademark), the communication speed is low, and therefore the user needs to hold the mobile phone very close to the image forming apparatus for a given period of time until the printing data is wirelessly sent.

As methods for simply implementing the above, the wireless communication method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267370 and the communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-32176 are known. As described above, both of the wireless communication method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267370 and the communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-32176 use a so-called RFID system and automatically send the user ID of a noncontact ID card (the card ID of a noncontact IC card) to an image processing apparatus (a personal computer) when the noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) is brought close to the card reader/writer section of the image processing apparatus (the reader/writer of the personal computer).

However, in the wireless communication method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267370 and the communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-32176, the user ID of the noncontact ID card (the card ID of the noncontact IC card) is automatically sent to the image processing apparatus (personal computer), and a connection is established by just bringing the noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) close to the card reader/writer section of the image processing apparatus (the reader/writer of the personal computer). Therefore, when one noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) is already connected to the image processing apparatus (a personal computer), if a third party with malicious intent performs the above-mentioned operation using a different noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card), the noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) of the third party is additionally connected to the image processing apparatus (personal computer), and communication between the noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) of the third party and the image processing apparatus is enabled. In this case, for example, there is a possibility that the third party may use its noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) and manipulate or steal data (for example, personal information) in the previously connected noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) through the image processing apparatus (personal computer).

Moreover, in the wireless communication method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267370 and the communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-32176, if a user who communicated with an image processing apparatus (a personal commuter) and therefore has a history of communication remaining in the image processing apparatus tries to communicate with the image forming apparatus (personal computer) by using his/her noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) and the history when a noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) of other user is being connected to the image processing apparatus (personal computer), there is a possibility that the user may manipulate or steal data on the noncontact ID card (noncontact IC card) of the other user through the image processing apparatus (personal computer).

Furthermore, in the wireless communication method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267370 and the communication system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-32176, establishing a connection using the card reader/writer section of the image processing apparatus (the reader/writer of the personal computer) and establishing a connection using the communication history remaining after a connection was established once are always available. Hence, these system and method have, for example, a problem that they are not capable of satisfying connection establishment restricting requests necessary in work environment.

More specifically, even if the image processing apparatus (personal computer) is configured to prevent leakage of confidential information by enabling only a part of employees to use the image processing apparatus (personal computer) after authenticating the user ID of the noncontact ID card (the card ID of the noncontact IC card), there is a problem that it is still impossible to stop a connection from being established fraudulently using the communication history.

The present invention has been made with the aim of solving the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system including a first communication device (information processing device) and a second communication device (communication terminal device) for communicating with each other; and an information processing system, which are capable of facilitating establishment of a connection between the two devices and capable of rejecting, after a connection is established with one device, a connection establishment request from other devices and thereby preventing stealing of data from the device with which the connection has already been established.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image formation system including a mobile communication device and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, and capable of facilitating establishment of a connection between the two devices and capable of rejecting, after a connection is established with one mobile communication device, a connection establishment request from other devices and thereby preventing stealing of data from the device with which the connection has already been established.

Other object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus for obtaining image data from an external device and forming an image on the basis of the image data, and capable of facilitating establishment of a connection with a communication partner device and capable of rejecting, after a connection is established with one external device, a connection establishment request from other devices and thereby preventing stealing of data from the device with which the connection has already been established.

Other object of the present invention is to provide a mobile information terminal device for communicating with an external device, and capable of rejecting, after a connection is established with one external device, a connection establishment request from other devices and thereby preventing stealing of data from the device with which the connection has already been established.

Other object of the present invention is to provide an information processing system including a communication device and an information processing device for obtaining data from the communication device and processing the data, and capable of facilitating establishment of a connection between the two devices and capable of selecting a communication partner device with which the information processing device establishes a connection, according to operational conditions.

Other object of the present invention is to provide an image formation system including a mobile communication device and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, and capable of facilitating establishment of a connection between the two devices and capable of selecting a mobile communication device as a connection partner with which the image forming apparatus establishes a connection, according to operational conditions.

Other object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device and an image forming apparatus, capable of facilitating establishment of a connection with a communication partner device and capable of selecting a partner device with which a connection is to be established, according to operational conditions.

A communication system according to the present invention is a communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device, each of the first communication device and the second communication device having a plurality of wireless communication means to communicate with each other, and characterized in that the first communication device comprises: first communication means for establishing a connection and communicating with the second communication device; second communication means for sending identification data of the first communication device to the second communication device; and connection rejecting means for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the second communication device, and the second communication device comprises: third communication means for receiving the identification data of the first communication device; and fourth communication means for establishing a connection and communicating with the first communication means by using the identification data of the first communication device received by the third communication means.

In the present invention, when establishing a connection and performing communication between the first communication device and the second communication device, the second communication means of the first communication device sends the identification data of the first communication device to the third communication means of the second communication device. When the third communication means of the second communication device receives the identification data, the fourth communication means of the second communication device uses the identification data and establishes a connection with the first communication means of the first communication device. After the connection is established in such a manner, the connection rejecting means of the first communication device rejects a connection request from other than the device with which the connection has been established.

The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the first communication device comprises stopping means for stopping the second communication means from sending the identification data of the first communication device after a connection is established with the second communication device.

In the present invention, after a connection is established between the first communication device (first communication means) and the second communication device (fourth communication means), the stopping means stops the second communication means from sending the identification data. Thus, responding (sending the identification data) to a connection request from other than the partner device with which the connection has been established is prohibited.

The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the second communication device comprises: first storing means for storing the received identification data of the first communication device, and first deleting means for deleting the identification data of the first communication device after communication by the fourth communication means is finished.

In the present invention, the first storing means of the second communication device stores the identification data of the first communication device received by the third communication means, and the first deleting means deletes the identification data from the first storing means after the communication by the fourth communication means is finished.

The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the first communication device comprises: second storing means for receiving and storing identification data of the second communication device; and second deleting means for deleting the identification data of the second communication device after communication by the first communication means is finished.

In the present invention, when the first communication device receives the identification data of the second communication device, the received identification data of the second communication device is stored in the second storing means, and the second deleting means deletes the identification data of the second communication device from the second storing means when the communication by the first communication means is finished.

The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the second communication means and the third communication means are configured to perform communication using a RFID system, and the first communication means and the fourth communication means are configured to perform wireless communication over longer distances than communication using the RFID system.

In the present invention, for example, the third communication means and the second communication means are a contact or noncontact IC card and a card reader, and the identification data of the first communication device is sent/received by communication using the RFID system. The first communication means and the fourth communication means are both Bluetooth compatible devices, and longer distance wireless communication than communication using the RFID system is performed between the first communication device and the second communication device.

The communication system according to the present invention is characterized in that the first storing means is configured to store the received identification data of the first communication device in a free area within a storage area in the RFID system.

In the present invention, when the third communication means receives the identification data of the first communication device, the second communication device stores the received identification data in a free area within the storage area in the RFID system.

An information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system including a communication terminal device and an information processing device for obtaining data from the communication terminal device and processing the data, and characterized in that the information processing device comprises: first sending/receiving means for establishing a connection with the communication terminal device and sending/receiving data; sending means for sending identification data of the information processing device to the communication terminal device; and connection rejecting means for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the communication terminal device, and the communication terminal device comprises: receiving means for receiving the identification data of the information processing device; and second sending/receiving means for establishing a connection with the first sending/receiving means and sending/receiving data by using the identification data of the information processing device received by the receiving means.

In the present invention, when establishing a connection between the communication terminal device and the information processing device to send/receive data, the sending means of the information processing device sends the identification data of the information processing device to the receiving means of the communication terminal device. When the receiving means of the communication terminal device receives the identification data, the second sending/receiving means of the communication terminal device establishes a connection with the first sending/receiving means of the information processing device by using the identification data. After the connection is established in such a manner, the connection rejecting means of the information processing device rejects a connection request from other than the partner device with which the connection has been established.

The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the information processing device comprises: a display section; obtaining means for obtaining content data held by the communication terminal device; and display means for displaying in the display section an image corresponding to the content data obtained by the obtaining means.

In the present invention, the obtaining means of the information processing device obtains content data held by the communication terminal device, and the display means displays an image corresponding to the obtained content data in the display section.

The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the information processing device comprises notifying means for notifying the communication terminal device about occurrence of an error or normal completion of data processing.

In the present invention, when the information processing device obtains data from the communication terminal device and performs processing on the data (for example, generating, scaling, or rotating an image on the basis of the data), if an error occurs or data processing is completed normally, the notifying means notifies the communication terminal device of this.

An image formation system according to the present invention is an image formation system including a mobile communication device and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, and characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises: first sending/receiving means for establishing a connection with the mobile communication device and sending/receiving data; sending means for sending identification data of the image forming apparatus to the mobile communication device; and connection rejecting means for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the mobile communication device, and the mobile communication device comprises: receiving means for receiving the identification data of the image forming apparatus; and second sending/receiving means for establishing a connection with the first sending/receiving means and sending/receiving data by using the identification data of the image forming apparatus received by the receiving means.

In the present invention, when sending/receiving data between the mobile communication device and the image forming apparatus, the sending means of the image forming apparatus sends the identification data of the image forming apparatus to the receiving means of the mobile communication device. When the receiving means of the mobile communication device receives the identification data, the second sending/receiving means of the mobile communication device establishes a connection with the first sending/receiving means of the image forming apparatus by using the identification data. After the connection is established in such a manner, the connection rejecting means of the image forming apparatus rejects a connection request from other than the partner device with which the connection has been established.

The image formation system according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises stopping means for stopping the sending means from sending the identification data of the image forming apparatus after a connection is established with the mobile communication device.

In the present invention, after a connection is established between the image forming apparatus (first sending/receiving means) and the mobile communication device (second sending/receiving means), the stopping means of the image forming apparatus stops the sending means from sending the identification data of the image forming apparatus. Thus, the image forming apparatus prohibits responding (sending of the identification data) to a connection request from other than the partner device with which the connection has been established.

The image formation system according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises: a display section; obtaining means for obtaining content data held by the mobile communication device; and display means for displaying an image corresponding to the content data obtained by the obtaining means in the display section.

In the present invention, the obtaining means of the image forming apparatus obtains content data held by the mobile communication device, and the display means displays an image corresponding to the obtained content data in the display section.

The image formation system according to the present invention is characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises notifying means for notifying the mobile communication device about occurrence of an error or normal completion of image formation.

In the present invention, when the image forming apparatus obtains data from the mobile communication device and forms an image on the basis of the data, if an error occurs, or if the formation of the image is completed normally, the notifying means notifies the mobile communication device of this.

The image formation system according to the present invention is characterized in that the mobile communication device comprises a display section for displaying an image on the basis of stored content data and is configured such that when it approaches within a given distance from the sending means with an image corresponding to arbitrary content data displayed in the display section, the second sending/receiving means sends the arbitrary content data to the first sending/receiving means.

In the present invention, for example, in a state in which a user of the mobile communication device displays a desired image in the display section of the mobile communication device, when the user brings the mobile communication device very close to the image forming apparatus at a position where the receiving means of the mobile communication device is within a given distance from the sending means of the image forming apparatus, the second sending/receiving means of the mobile communication device sends image data corresponding to the image to the first sending/receiving means of the image forming apparatus.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus for obtaining image data from an external device and forming an image on the basis of the image data, and characterized by comprising: receiving means for establishing a connection with one device and receiving image data; sending means for sending its identification data to the one device; and connection rejecting means for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the one device.

In the present invention, when the image forming apparatus receives image data from an external device, the sending means sends its identification data to the external device. When the external device receives the identification data, it establishes a connection with the receiving means of the image forming apparatus by using the identification data to enable sending of image data. After the connection is established in such a manner, the connection rejecting means of the image forming apparatus rejects a connection request from a device other than the partner device with which the connection has been established.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising stopping means for stopping the sending means from sending its identification data after a connection is established with the one device.

In the present invention, after a connection is established with the one device, the stopping means stops the sending means from sending its identification data. Thus, the image forming apparatus prohibits responding (sending of the identification data) to a connection request from other devices.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a display section; and display means for displaying an image corresponding to image data received by the receiving means in the display section.

In the present invention, when the receiving means receives image data, the display means displays an image corresponding to the received image data in the display section.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising notifying means for notifying the one device about occurrence of an error or normal completion of image formation.

In the present invention, when forming an image on the basis of image data received from an external device by the receiving means, if an error occurs or image formation is completed normally, the notifying means notifies the external device of this.

A mobile information terminal device according to the present invention is a mobile information terminal device for communicating with an external device, and characterized by comprising: first communication means for establishing a connection with one device and sending/receiving data; second communication means for receiving identification data of the one device; and connection rejecting means for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the one device.

In the present invention, when communicating with one external device, the second communication means receives the identification data of the one device, and the first communication means establishes a connection with the one device and sends/receives data by using the identification data. After the connection is established in such a manner, the connection rejecting means rejects a connection request from a device other than the partner device with which the connection has been established.

The mobile information terminal device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: storing means for storing received identification data; and deleting means for deleting the identification data after the first communication means sends/receives data by using the identification data.

In the present invention, after the sending/receiving of data by the first communication means is finished, the deleting means deletes the identification data stored in the storing means.

The mobile information terminal device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a display section for displaying an image on the basis of stored content data, and configured such that when the mobile information terminal device approaches within a given distance from one device of a communication partner with an image corresponding to arbitrary content data displayed in the display section, the first communication means sends the arbitrary content data to the one device.

In the present invention, for example, if the mobile information terminal device and one device are a mobile phone and a multi-function peripheral, respectively, when the mobile phone is brought very close to the multi-function peripheral (one device) while displaying an image desired by the user of the mobile phone in the display section of the mobile phone, image data corresponding to the displayed image is sent from the first communication means of the mobile phone to the multi-function peripheral.

An information processing system according to the present invention is an information processing system including a communication device and an information processing device for obtaining data from the communication device and processing the data, and characterized in that the information processing device comprises: first sending/receiving means for sending/receiving data to/from the communication device; and sending means for sending identification data of the first sending/receiving means to the communication device, wherein the first sending/receiving means is configured to receive a first connection establishment request from the communication device which received the identification data and/or a second connection establishment request from other than the communication device, and the communication device comprises: receiving means for receiving the identification data; and second sending/receiving means for establishing a connection with the first sending/receiving means and sending/receiving data by using the identification data received by the receiving means.

In the present invention, when sending/receiving data between the communication device and the information processing device, the sending means of the information processing device sends the identification data of the first sending/receiving means to the receiving means of the communication device, and the second sending/receiving means of the communication device establishes a connection with the first sending/receiving means of the information processing device by using the identification data received by the receiving means. When establishing the connection, the first sending/receiving means of the information processing device selectively receives a first connection establishment request from a communication device which received the identification data and a second connection establishment request from other devices.

The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the information processing device comprises: selection receiving means for receiving the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted from the first connection establishment request and/or the second connection establishment request; storing means for storing data indicating that the identification data was sent when the sending means sent the identification data; deciding means for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storing means whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request; and connection establishing means for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding means, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishing a connection.

In the present invention, for example, when a connection establishment request is received after the selection receiving means receives the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted, the deciding means decides on the basis of the stored data in the storing means whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request. If data indicating that the identification data was sent is stored in the storing means, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is from the communication device which received the identification data, whereas if data indicating that the identification data was not sent is stored, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is not from the communication device which received the identification data. On the basis of the decision result, the connection establishment means accepts a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishes a connection.

The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the sending means and the receiving means are configured to perform communication using a RFID system, and the first sending/receiving means and the second sending/receiving means are configured to perform wireless communication over longer distances or at a higher rate than communication using the RFID system.

In the present invention, for example, the receiving means and the sending means are a contact or noncontact IC card and a card reader, and the identification data is sent/received by communication using the RFID system. The first sending/receiving means and the second sending/receiving means are both Bluetooth compatible devices and perform wireless communication using a Bluetooth communication system between the information processing device and the communication device.

The information processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that the communication device is configured to store the identification data received by the receiving means in a free area within a storage area in the RFID system.

In the present invention, when the receiving means of the communication device receives the identification data of the first sending/receiving means, the received identification data is stored in a free area in the storage area in the RFID system.

An information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: sending/receiving means for sending/receiving data to/from an external device; and sending means for sending identification data of the sending/receiving means, wherein the sending/receiving means is configured to receive a first connection establishment request from a recipient of the identification data and/or a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient.

In the present invention, when the sending/receiving means performs sending/receiving of data to/from an external device, it selectively receive a first connection establishment request from the recipient to which the identification data of the sending/receiving means was sent and/or a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient.

The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: selection receiving means for receiving the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted from the first connection establishment request and/or the second connection establishment request; storing means for storing data indicating that the identification data was sent when the sending means sent the identification data; deciding means for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storing means whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request; and connection establishing means for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding means, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishing a connection.

In the present invention, for example, when a connection establishment request is received after the selection receiving means received the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted, the deciding means decides, on the basis of data stored in the storing means, whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request. If data indicating that the identification data was sent is stored in the storing means, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is from the recipient of the identification data, whereas if data indicating that the identification data was not sent is stored, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is not from the recipient of the identification data. On the basis of the decision result, the connection establishing means accepts a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishes a connection.

The information processing device according to the present invention is characterized in that the sending means is configured to perform communication using a RFID system, and the sending/receiving means is configured to perform wireless communication over longer distances or at a higher rate than communication using the RFID system.

In the present invention, for example, the sending means is a card reader compatible with a contact or noncontact IC card, and the identification data is sent by communication using the RFID system. The sending/receiving means is a Bluetooth compatible device, and the information processing device communicates wirelessly with a Bluetooth compatible device by using a Bluetooth communication system.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising the above-described information processing device of the present invention, and forming an image on the basis of data received by the sending/receiving means of the information processing device.

In the present invention, the sending/receiving means of the information processing device selectively receives a first connection establishment request and a second connection establishment request and establishes a connection with an external device, and then an image is formed on the basis of data received from the external device with which the connection has been established.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising; a display section; and display means for displaying in the display section an image on the basis of data received by the sending/receiving means of the information processing device.

In the present invention, when the sending/receiving means of the information processing device receives data from an external device with which a connection has been established, the display means displays an image on the basis of the data in the display section.

An image formation system according to the present invention is an image formation system including a mobile communication device and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, and characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises: first data communication means for performing data communication with the mobile communication device by using a Bluetooth communication system; data sending means for sending a unique address of the first data communication means to the mobile communication device by using a RFID communication system; selection receiving means for receiving the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted from a first connection establishment request from a mobile communication device to which the unique address was sent and/or a second connection establishment request from other than the mobile communication device; storing means for storing data indicating that the unique address was sent when the data sending means sent the unique address; deciding means for deciding, on the basis of data stored in the storing means, whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request; and connection establishing means for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding means, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishing a connection, the mobile communication section comprises: address receiving means for receiving the unique address by using the RFID communication system; and second data communication means for sending/receiving data by using the Bluetooth communication system to/from the first data communication means by using the unique address received by the address receiving means, and the image forming apparatus is configured to form on a sheet an image on the basis of received image data when the first data communication means received the image data from a mobile communication device with which a connection has been established by the connection establishing means.

In the present invention, when performing data communication between the mobile communication device and the image forming apparatus, the data sending means of the image forming apparatus sends the unique address of the first data communication means to the address receiving means of the mobile communication device. The second data communication means of the mobile communication device establishes a connection with the first data communication means of the image forming apparatus by using the unique address received by the address receiving means. When establishing the connection, for example, if a connection establishment request is received after the selection receiving means received the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted, the deciding means decides on the basis of data stored in the storing means whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request. Specifically, if data indicating that the unique address was sent is stored in the storing means, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is from the mobile communication device to which the unique address was sent, or that the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request. On the other hand, if data indicating that the unique address was not sent is stored in the storing means, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is not from the mobile communication device to which the unique address was sent, or that the received connection establishment request is not the first connection establishment request. On the basis of the decision result, the connection establishment means accepts a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishes a connection. After the establishment of the connection, the first data communication means receives image data from the mobile communication device with which the connection has been established by the connection establishing means, and then an image on the basis of the received image data is formed on a sheet.

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: communication means for performing communication by using a Bluetooth communication system; sending means for sending a unique address of the communication means by using a RFID communication system; selection receiving means for receiving the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted from a first connection establishment request from a recipient of the unique address and/or a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient; storing means for storing data indicating that the unique address was sent when the sending means sent the unique address; deciding means for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storing means whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request; and connection establishing means for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding means, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishing a connection, wherein when the communication means receives image data, an image on the basis of the received image data is formed on a sheet.

In the present invention, for example, when the communication means performs data communication with an external device, the sending means sends the unique address of the communication means to the external device. The selection receiving means receives the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted from the first connection establishment request from the recipient of the unique address and the second connection establishment request from other than the recipient. Thereafter, when a connection establishment request is received, the deciding means decides, on the basis of data stored in the storing means, whether or not the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request. Specifically, if data indicating that the unique address was sent is stored in the storing means, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is from the recipient of the unique address, or that the received connection establishment request is the first connection establishment request. On the other hand, if data indicating that the unique address was not sent is stored in the storing means, the deciding means decides that the received connection establishment request is not from the recipient of the unique address, or that the received connection establishment request is not the first connection establishment request. On the basis of the decision result, the connection establishment means accepts a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving means and establishes a connection. The communication means receives image data from the external device with which the connection has been established, and then an image on the basis of the received image data is formed on a sheet.

According to the present invention, in the communication system (information processing system) including a first communication device (information processing device) and a second communication device (communication terminal device) for communicating with each other, establishment of a connection between the two devices is facilitated. Moreover, only a single second communication device (communication terminal device) which received the identification data of the first communication device (information processing device) is enabled to communicate with the first communication device (information processing device). Therefore, when a connection is established between the first communication device (information processing device) and the single second communication device (communication terminal device), stealing of data in the two devices is prevented. Further, after the communication (sending and receiving of data) is finished, the identification data of the partner device used for the communication is deleted so as not to leave the identification data in the first communication device (information processing device) and the second communication device (communication terminal device), thereby preventing leakage of personal information or confidential information used for the communication. In addition, the limited storage areas in the respective devices may be used more effectively.

According to the present invention, in the image formation system including a mobile communication device and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, establishment of a connection between the two devices is facilitated. Moreover, only a single mobile communication device which received the identification data of the image forming apparatus is enabled to communicate with the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when a connection is established between the image forming apparatus and the single mobile communication device, stealing of data in the two devices is prevented. Further, after the sending/receiving of data is finished, the identification data of the partner device used for sending/receiving data is deleted so as not to leave the identification data in the image forming apparatus and the mobile communication device, thereby preventing leakage of personal information or confidential information used for sending/receiving data. Additionally, the limited storage areas in the respective devices may be used more effectively.

According to the present invention, in the image forming apparatus for obtaining image data from an external device and forming an image on the basis of the image data, establishment of a connection with a partner device is facilitated. Moreover, after the image forming apparatus established a connection with one external device, a connection establishment request from other devices is rejected, and thus only one device which received the identification data of the image forming apparatus is enabled to communicate with the image forming apparatus. Therefore, when a connection is established between the image forming apparatus and one device, a connection to the image forming apparatus or to the one device through the image forming apparatus is prohibited, thereby preventing data in the two devices from being stolen. Further, after obtaining image data, the identification data of the partner device used for obtaining the image data is deleted so as not to leave it in the image forming apparatus, thereby preventing leakage of personal information or confidential information used for obtaining the image data. In addition, the limited storage area in the image forming apparatus may be used more effectively.

According to the present invention, in the mobile information terminal device for communicating with an external device, after a connection is established with one external device, a connection establishment request from other devices is rejected. Thus, only a device corresponding to the identification data received by the mobile information terminal device is enabled to send/receive data to/from the mobile communication terminal device. Therefore, when a connection is established between the mobile information terminal device and one device, a connection to the mobile information terminal device or to the one device through the mobile information terminal device is prohibited, thereby preventing data in the two devices from being stolen. Further, after the sending/receiving of data to/from the one device is finished, the identification data used for sending/receiving data is deleted so as not to leave the identification data in the mobile information terminal device, thereby preventing leakage of personal information or confidential information used for sending/receiving data. In addition, the limited storage area in the mobile information terminal device may be used more effectively.

According to the present invention, the information processing device selectively receives a first connection establishment request from a communication device to which its identification data was sent and a second connection establishment request from other than the communication device. Thus, establishment of a connection with a communication partner device is facilitated, and a communication partner device with which a connection is to be established is selectable in accordance with a change in the operational conditions, or a user's request.

According to the present invention, the image forming apparatus accepts at least one of a first connection establishment request from a mobile communication device to which its unique address was sent and a second connection establishment request from other than the mobile communication device, receives image data from a mobile communication device with which a connection has been established, and forms an image on the basis of the image data on a sheet. Thus, establishment of a connection between the two devices is facilitated, and a mobile communication device of a communication partner with which a connection is to be established is selectable in accordance with a change in operational conditions, or a user's request.

According to the present invention, at least one of a first connection establishment request from a recipient to which its identification data was sent and a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient is accepted. Thus, establishment of a connection is facilitated, and a partner device with which a connection is to be established is selectable in accordance with a change in operational conditions, or a user's request.

The above and further objects and features of the invention will more fully be apparent from the following detailed description with accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view of a communication system, an information processing system, and an image formation system of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating essential structures of the communication system, the information processing system, and the image formation system of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are flowcharts illustrating the processing steps to be performed by CPUs in a control section of a digital multi-function peripheral and a control section of a mobile phone;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view explaining the structure of the storage area in a contact/noncontact IC card;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating one example of a file name list screen displayed in a display section of the digital multi-function peripheral;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps to be performed by CPUs in a control section of a digital multi-function peripheral and a control section of a mobile phone of Embodiment 2;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view explaining an operation performed in the mobile phone to select a file to be printed;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps to be performed by a CPU in a control section of a digital multi-function peripheral of Embodiment 3;

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are flowcharts illustrating the processing steps to be performed by the CPUs in the control section of the digital multi-function peripheral and the control section of the mobile phone of Embodiment 3; and

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view illustrating one example of a connection selection receiving screen.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, the following description will specifically explain some embodiments in which an image forming apparatus (a first communication device, an information processing device) according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral having a copying function, a printing function etc. The following explains examples in which a communication system, an information processing system and an image formation system according to the present invention include the digital multi-function peripheral and a mobile phone (a second communication device, a communication terminal device, a mobile communication device) as components.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is a conceptual view of a communication system, an information processing system and an image formation system of Embodiment 1, and FIG. 2 is a Block Diagram Illustrating Essential structures of the communication system, the information processing system and the image formation system of Embodiment 1. The communication system, information processing system and image formation system of Embodiment 1 include a digital multi-function peripheral 1 and a mobile phone 2.

The digital multi-function peripheral 1 comprises hardware, such as a control section 11, an image input section 17, an image processing section 18, an image output section 19, a storage section 14, a wireless communication section 16, a reader/writer 15, and an operation panel 12 which constitute as a whole the digital multi-function peripheral.

The control section 11 includes a CPU for controlling each of the above-mentioned hardware sections, and a RAM for temporarily storing data necessary for control. For example, the storage section 14 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory and stores image data subjected to image processing, and control programs for controlling the respective hardware sections. In addition, the storage section 14 stores a program for displaying in the display section 13 various kinds of screens, such as a later-described file name list screen, and image data received through the wireless communication section 16. The storage section 14 stores a plurality of passkeys in advance. When the CPU of the control section 11 receives a passkey through the operation panel 28, 12, it compares the received passkey with the passkeys stored in the storage section 14.

The control section 11 loads a control program from the storage section 14 as the need arises, and executes the loaded control program to activate the whole device as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

The operation panel 12 includes various buttons for receiving instructions from users, the Enter key for receiving a confirmation of an instruction, and the ten-key. The operation panel 12 includes the display section 13, such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a file name list screen (content data) about images, documents etc. held by a mobile phone 2 with which the connection has been established. The display section 13 is configured to function as a touch panel.

The image input section 17 is reading means for optically reading an image on a document, and comprises a light source for irradiating light on a document, and an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The image input section 17 focuses a reflected light image from the document set at a given reading position onto the image sensor, and outputs analog electric signals representing RGB (R: Red, G: Green, B: Blue) from the image sensor. The analog electric signals outputted from the image input section 17 are inputted into the image processing section 18.

The image processing section 18 generates digital image data on the basis of the analog electric signals inputted from the image input section 17, performs processing according to the type of the image, and generates image data to be outputted. The generated image data is outputted to the image output section 19, or the wireless communication section 16.

The image output section 19 is an image forming section for forming an image desired by a user on a sheet by an electro-photographic method, and forms the image on the basis of the image data outputted from the image processing section 18 on a sheet of paper, OHP film etc. The image output section 19 comprises a photoreceptor drum; a charger for charging the photoreceptor drum to a given electric potential; a laser writing device for generating an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum by emitting laser light according to image data to be processed; a developing device for supplying toner to visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum; and a transfer device (not shown) for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum to paper. Instead of forming an image by the electro-photographic method using the laser writing device, an inkjet method, a heat-transfer method, a sublimation method etc. may be used to form the image

The wireless communication section (first communication means, first sending/receiving means, receiving means) 16 is compatible with a Bluetooth technology, for example, and establishes wirelessly a connection with other Bluetooth compatible device (for example, a later-described wireless communication section 27) within a given short distance (for example, 100 m). More specifically, the wireless communication section 16 (Bluetooth compatible device) has a unique Bluetooth address (identification data) and is capable of connecting to and communicating with other Bluetooth compatible device by performing a process called pairing for specifying (authenticating) parties to be connected using their mutual Bluetooth address via a temporary short distance network called piconet. The piconet is automatically and actively established, or lost, when other Bluetooth compatible device comes within a range of a given distance from the wireless communication section 16, or out of the range of the given distance. The wireless communication section 16 is not limited to a Bluetooth compatible device, and may be a device capable of performing wireless communication over longer distances or at a higher rate than communication using a RFID system, such as, for example, a device compatible with IEEE802.11. In this case, however, the later-described wireless communication section 27 corresponding to the wireless communication section 16 needs to be a device compatible with IEEE802.11.

The reader/writer 15 sends/receives data in a contact/noncontact fashion to/from a later-described contact/noncontact IC card 26 by using a noncontact communication system (RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) system). The following will explain noncontact type communication between the reader/writer 15 and the contact/noncontact IC card 26. The reader/writer 15 emits an activation signal (electromagnetic wave) all the time, and when the contact/noncontact IC card 26 and the reader/writer 15 come closer to be able to communicate with each other, the contact/noncontact IC card 26 receives the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reader/writer 15. When the contact/noncontact IC card 26 receives the electromagnetic wave emitted from the reader/writer 15, it generates a DC power source by rectifying the carrier wave of the received electromagnetic wave and drives an internal circuit by using the generated DC power source. Then, the contact/noncontact IC card 26 performs amplitude modulation and sends a response signal responding to the received activation signal to the reader/writer 15. As the noncontact communication system, for example, a RFID system, such as Felica and Edy, is employed. When the reader/writer 15 receives the response signal from the contact/noncontact IC card 26, it sends the unique Bluetooth address (identification data) of the wireless communication section 16 to the contact/noncontact IC card 26.

In order for a Bluetooth compatible device to establish a connection with a party to be connected by pairing, it is usually necessary to perform time-consuming operations including searching for addresses of connectable devices within a given range and selecting and specifying a device desired to be connected from the discovered addresses. In the system of the present invention, however, such operations are not necessary when establishing a connection between the mobile phone 2 and the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

On the other hand, the mobile phone 2 comprises a control section 21, a flash memory 24, a base station communication section 25, an operation panel 28, an input section 23, an output section 22, a contact/noncontact IC card 26, and a wireless communication section 27.

The control section 21 includes a CPU for controlling the whole device, a ROM for storing programs and various kinds of data, and a RAM capable of performing high-speed writing/reading. The flash memory 24 is a large-capacity storage device and stores phone numbers, image data, listing data (content data) for displaying a list of file names of images, documents etc. held by the mobile phone 2, and thumbnails of the images.

The base station communication section 25 has a communication interface and communicates with a base station. The operation panel 28 includes operation buttons for receiving user's operations. The input section 23 is a camera for obtaining an image by photographing, a microphone for receiving an input of sounds, etc. The output section 22 is a liquid crystal monitor for outputting an image, a speaker for outputting sounds, etc.

The contact/noncontact IC card 26 sends/receives data in a contact/noncontact fashion to/from the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by using a so-called noncontact communication system. As described above, a RFID system, such as Felica and Edy, is employed as the communication system. Like the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the wireless communication section (fourth communication means, second sending/receiving means) 27 is compatible with the Bluetooth technology. When other Bluetooth compatible device (for example, the wireless communication section 16) is within a given short distance (for example, 100 m), the wireless communication section 27 is connected to and communicates with this device in a wireless fashion.

The following will explain the communication process and the image formation process to be performed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 in the communication system, the information processing system and the image formation system according to Embodiment 1. Here, one example of printing an image on the basis of image data stored in a user's mobile phone 2 by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 will be explained. Note that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is also capable of displaying in the display section 13 an image on the basis of image data stored in the mobile phone 2. FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are flowcharts illustrating the processing steps to be performed by the CPUs in the control section 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the control section 21 of the mobile phone 2. As described above, in the communication system, the information processing system and the image formation system according to Embodiment 1, both of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 are Bluetooth compatible devices.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides whether or not the mobile phone 2 has approached within a given range (S101). The digital multi-function peripheral 1 has the reader/writer 15, and the mobile phone 2 has the contact/noncontact IC card 26. The reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends an activation signal (electromagnetic wave) all the time. For example, when the user brings the mobile phone 2 very close to the reader/writer 15, the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 receives the activation signal sent from the reader/writer 15. When the contact/noncontact IC card 26 receives the activation signal, it sends a response signal responding to the activation signal. When the reader/writer 15 receives the response signal sent from the contact/noncontact IC card 26, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has approached within the given range.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has not approached within the given range (S101: NO), it waits until the mobile phone 2 approaches within the given range. On the other hand, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has approached within the given range (S101: YES), it retrieves a Bluetooth address held by the wireless communication section 16 (hereinafter referred to as the multi-function peripheral address) and sends it to the reader/writer 15. Then, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the multi-function peripheral address (identification data) through the reader/writer 15 (second communication means, sending means) to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 (S102).

Meanwhile, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the contact/noncontact IC card (third communication means, receiving means) 26 and decides whether or not the multi-function peripheral address has been received from the multi-function peripheral 1 (S201). When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that the multi-function peripheral address has not been received (S201: NO), it waits until it receives the multi-function peripheral address. When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that the multi-function peripheral address has been received (S201: YES), it stores the received multi-function peripheral address in the storage area in the contact/non-contract IC card 26.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view explaining the structure of the storage area in the contact/noncontact IC card 26. The storage area in the contact/noncontact IC card 26 includes a common area 26B and a private area 26A (free area). The CPU of the mobile phone 2 writes the received multi-function peripheral address (identification data) in the private area (first storing means) 26A in the contact/noncontact IC card 26. The private area 26A is an area that a service provider may use freely. Highly free writing becomes possible by using the private area 26A. On the other hand, it is possible to write data in the common area 26B. In this case, however, since a remote issuing system for the contact/noncontact IC card 26 must be used, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in writing is low.

The CPU of the mobile phone 2 sends a pairing request and the Bluetooth address of the wireless communication section 27 (hereinafter referred to as the mobile phone address) to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (S202). Here, the wireless communication section 27 of the mobile phone 2 sends the mobile phone address and data requesting for pairing to the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 monitors the wireless communication section 16 and decides whether or not a pairing request and a mobile phone address have been received from a mobile phone 2 (S103). When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that a pairing request and a mobile phone address have not been received (S103: NO), it waits until it receives a pairing request and a mobile phone address. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that a pairing request and a mobile phone address have been received (S103: YES), it stores the received mobile phone address in the storage section (second storing means) 14. The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays a passkey input screen asking for a passkey in the display section 13 of the operation panel 12 (S104) and requests the user to input (enter) a passkey. The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the passkey inputted by the user through the operation panel 12 (or the touch panel of the display section 13), and stores the received passkey temporarily in the storage section 14.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 compares the passkey inputted by the user with a passkey stored in advance in the storage section 14. If the passkeys match, a connection between the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 is established, and they are set to be ready to communicate with each other. On the other hand, if the passkeys do not match, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays this fact and a screen asking for the input of a passkey again in the display section 13.

When a connection is established with the mobile phone 2, the CPU (connection rejecting means) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 starts invalidating connection establishment requests (pairing requests) from other devices (S105). In other words, when a connection is established with the mobile phone 2, even if the wireless communication section 16 receives data requesting for pairing from other devices, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 invalidates the received data.

Thereafter, the CPU (stopping means) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 cuts off a power source supplying power to the reader/writer 15 and stops the reader/writer 15 from sending the multi-function peripheral address (S106).

Thus, after the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is connected to one mobile phone 2, it invalidates the pairing requests from other devices, thereby preventing a third party from fraudulently accessing the mobile phone 2 through the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by ill-using the multiple pairing capability of communication using the Bluetooth technology. Hence, manipulation and stealing of data in the mobile phone 2 through the digital multi-function peripheral 1 are prevented.

Next, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 requests listing data (content data) for displaying a list of file names of images, business documents etc. held in the mobile phone 2 (S107). More specifically, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends data requesting for listing data to the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16.

When the wireless communication section 27 receives the data requesting for listing data from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 retrieves the listing data of the file names of images, documents etc. stored in the flash memory 24 and sends it to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S203).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 obtains through the wireless communication section (obtaining means) 16 the listing data sent from the mobile phone 2 (S108) and stores it in the storage section 14.

The CPU (display means) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays in the display section 13 the file name list screen for receiving from the user the selection of a file desired to be printed on the basis of the listing data stored in the storage section 14 (S109).

FIG. 5 is an exemplary view illustrating one example of the file name list screen displayed in the display section 13 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In the file name list screen, a plurality of file names on the basis of the listing data of the file names received from the mobile phone 2 are displayed, for example, in a scrollable way. Moreover, in the file name list screen, a thumbnail of a file selected by the user by operating the operation panel 12 (or the touch panel of the display section 13) is displayed. Further, in the file name list screen, soft keys such as “Number of Copies”, “Zoom” and “Print” are displayed. The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may receive print settings, such as the number of copies to be printed and the scale to be changed, from the user through the operation panel 12 (or the touch panel of the display section 13). The user selects a file desired to be printed, enters print settings through this screen, and instructs to start printing by operating the “Print” soft key. In this case, since the user selects a desired file on the large display section 13 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 instead of operating a small key while looking at the small liquid crystal monitor of the mobile phone 2, better image viewing performance and key operation performance are obtained.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 monitors the operation panel 12 and the touch panel of the display section 13, and decides whether or not the selection of a file has been received from the user (S110). When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that it has not received the selection of a file (S110: NO), it waits until the selection of a file is received. On the other hand, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that it has received the selection of a file (S110: YES), it decides whether or not is has received a print instruction from the user (S111). The decision here is made by the CPU by monitoring the operation panel 12 and the touch panel of the display section 13.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that it has not received a print instruction (S111: NO), it waits until a print instruction is received. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that it has received a print instruction (S111: YES), it requests the mobile phone 2 for image data of a file selected (hereinafter referred to as the selected file) (S112). Here, the wireless communication section 16 makes the request by sending the mobile phone 2 data requesting for sending the image data of the selected file.

The CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the wireless communication section 27 and decides whether or not there is a request for the image data of the selected file from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (S204). When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that there is no request for the image data of the selected file (S204: NO), it waits until it receives a request for the image data. When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that there is a request for the image data of the selected file (S204: YES), it retrieves from the flash memory 24 the image data of the selected file requested from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and sends it to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S205).

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives through the wireless communication section 16 the image data of the selected file from the mobile phone 2 (S113), it stores the received image data in the storage section 14.

Then, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the image data stored in the storage section 14 to the image output section 19, and prints an image on the basis of the image data by the image output section 19 (S114).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends data notifying the result of printing, such as printing has been completed normally, or a printing error has occurred, through the wireless communication section (notifying means) 16 to the mobile phone 2 (S115).

The CPU of the mobile phone 2 obtains data notifying the result of printing from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S206) and stores it in the flash memory 24.

Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 sends through the output section 22 an output on the basis of the data notifying the result of printing stored in the flash memory 24 (S207). Here, for example, the output may be implemented by displaying text notifying the result of printing in the liquid crystal monitor of the mobile phone 2, or outputting through a speaker of the mobile phone 2 a voice notifying the result of printing, or a warning sound.

After the notification of the result of printing, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides whether or not printing is to be finished (S116). Here, for example, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays text asking “Do you want to finish printing?” and soft keys representing “YES” and “NO” in the display section 13 and monitors an operation of the display section 13 (touch panel) to make the decision.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides not to finish printing (S116: NO), it returns to the process of step S109, displays the file name list screen again in the display section 13, and receives the selection of a file desired to be printed from the user. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides to finish printing (S116: YES), then it decides whether or not communication is to be finished (S117). Here, for example, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays text asking “Do you want to finish communication?” and soft keys representing “YES” and “NO” in the display section 13 and monitors an operation of the display section 13 (touch panel) to make the decision.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides not to finish communication (S117: NO), it returns to the process of step S116 again. On the other hand, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides to finish communication (S117: YES), it sends data stating that communication is finished to the mobile phone 2 through the Wireless communication section 16 to notify that printing is finished (S118).

The CPU (second deleting means) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 deletes the mobile phone address received in step S103 and the passkey received in step S104 from the storage section 14 (S119). It is thus possible to prevent a third party with malicious intent from ill-using the communication history and stealing the mobile phone address. Note that the decision as to whether or not to finish printing, or the decision as to whether or not to finish communication between the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2, is not necessarily made on the basis of an instruction from the user, and, for example, a decision to finish printing or communication may be made when the display section 13 (touch panel) is not operated for a given period of time.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 cancels the setting of invalidating connection establishment requests from other devices, which was started in step S105 (S120), and finishes the process.

For example, after sending an output indicating normal completion in step S207, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the wireless communication section 27 and decides whether or not a notification of completion of communication has been received in a given period of time (S208). When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that a notification of completion of communication has not been received even after the given period of time (S208: NO), the CPU of the mobile phone 2 returns to the process of step S204 and decides whether or not there is a request for image data from the digital multi-function peripheral 1. On the other hand, when the CPU (first deleting means) of the mobile phone 2 decides that a notification of completion of communication has been received (S208: YES), it deletes the multi-function peripheral address received in step S201 from the storage area in the contact/noncontact IC card 26 (S209) and finishes the communication.

As described above, in the communication system, the information processing system and the image formation system of Embodiment 1, the user of the mobile phone 2 receives the multi-function peripheral address from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and sends data from the mobile phone 2 to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by using the multi-function peripheral address. It is thus possible to prevent confidential information (such as, for example, the address and passkey) in the mobile phone 2 from leaking against the user's intention. Moreover, after finishing the communication, the received Bluetooth address (and the received passkey) of the partner are deleted from each of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2. Hence, it is possible to prevent leakage of the communication history (the Bluetooth address and passkey of the partner), and it is also possible to prevent the Bluetooth address of the connected party obtained whenever pairing is made from wastefully occupying the resource of each of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2, thereby enabling more effective use of the resources of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2.

Embodiment 1 described above has explained the configuration in which the user manually inputs a passkey so as to certainly input the passkey. However, if simplicity has priority, the passkey may be sent/received through the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2.

For a device (such as a mouse and a head set) which is not capable of inputting a passkey, the passkey may be set to a fixed value, or a structure that eliminates the need of inputting the passkey may be configured. For instance, in such a device that is not capable of inputting a passkey, a simple combination of numbers such as, for example “0000” may be set as the default passkey.

Embodiment 2

The Following Will Explain a Communication Process and an image formation process which are performed by a digital multi-function peripheral 1 and a mobile phone 2 in a communication system, an information processing system, and an image formation system according to Embodiment 2. Parts similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be designated with the same reference codes, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

The following will explain an example in which an image on the basis of image data stored in a user's mobile phone 2 is printed by the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In the communication system, the information processing system and the image formation system of Embodiment 2, sending and receiving of a passkey is performed through the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps to be performed by the CPUs in the control section 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the control section 21 of the mobile phone 2.

The user of the mobile phone 2 operates the mobile phone 2 to select a file to be printed (S401). FIG. 7 is an explanatory view explaining an operation performed in the mobile phone 2 to select a file to be printed. The liquid crystal monitor (output section 22) of the mobile phone 2 displays thumbnails of image data stored in the flash memory 24, and receives the selection of any of the thumbnails made by moving the cursor by operating a key (such as a press button on the operation panel 28). When a thumbnail is selected, the output section 22 displays the file name (of the selected file) corresponding to the selected thumbnail and an image larger than the thumbnail as illustrated in FIG. 7. In a state in which the file to be printed is selected as illustrated in FIG. 7, the user brings the mobile phone 2 very close to the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

Meanwhile, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides whether or not the mobile phone 2 has approached within a given range (S301). More specifically, when the reader/writer 15 has received a response signal sent by the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 in respond to an activation signal sent by the reader/writer 15, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has approached within the given range. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has not approached within the given range (S301: NO), it waits until the mobile phone 2 approaches with the given range. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has approached within the given range (S301: YES), it retrieves the Bluetooth address (the multi-function peripheral address) and the passkey held by the wireless communication section 16, and sends them to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 (S302). More specifically, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the retrieved multi-function peripheral address and passkey to the reader/writer 15, and then the reader/writer 15 sends them to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2. The passkey may be stored in the wireless communication section 16 together with the multi-function peripheral address, or may be stored in the storage section 14.

The CPU of the mobile phone 2 monitors the contact/noncontact IC card 26 and decides whether or not the multi-function peripheral address and the passkey have been received (S402). When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that the multi-function peripheral address and the passkey have not been received (S402: NO), it waits until it receives the multi-function peripheral address and the passkey. When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that the multi-function peripheral address and the passkey have been received (S402: YES), it stores the received multi-function peripheral address and passkey in the storage area in the contact/non-contract IC card 26.

Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 tries to establish a connection with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by sending the mobile phone address and passkey stored in the wireless communication section 27 to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S403). The passkey may be stored in the wireless communication section 27 together with the mobile phone address, or may be stored in the flash memory 24.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the mobile phone address and passkey from the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S303), it stores the mobile phone address and passkey in the storage section 14. Pairing is completed by receiving the mobile phone address and passkey, and the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 are connected to each other and set to be ready to communicate with each other.

Next, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 notifies the establishment of connection by sending data indicating that a connection has been established to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S404).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the notification of the establishment of connection indicating that a connection has been established from the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S304). Then, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 starts to invalidate connection establishment requests (pairing requests) from other devices (S305). In other words, when a connection is established, even if the wireless communication section 16 receives data requesting for pairing, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 invalidates the data. Moreover, the CPU of the multi-function peripheral 1 cuts off the power source supplying power to the reader/writer 15 and stops the reader/writer 15 from sending the multi-function peripheral address (S306).

After notifying the establishment of connection, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 retrieves the image data of the file selected in step S401 from the flash memory 24 and sends it to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S405).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the image data from the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S307), and stores the received image data in the storage section 14. Next, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the image data stored in the storage section 14 to the image output section 19 and prints an image on the basis of the image data by the image output section 19 (S308).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends data notifying the result of printing, such as normal completion of printing, or occurrence of an error during printing, to the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S309).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 deletes the mobile phone address and passkey received in step S303 from the storage section 14 (S310). Thus, stealing of the mobile phone address by a third party with malicious intent is prevented.

Thereafter, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 cancels the setting of invalidating connection establishment requests (pairing requests) from other devices, which was started in step S305, (S311) and finishes the process.

Meanwhile, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 obtains the data notifying the result of printing from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S406), and stores it in the flash memory 24.

The CPU of the mobile phone 2 sends though the output section 22 an output on the basis of the data notifying the result of printing stored in the flash memory 24 (S407).

Moreover, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 deletes the multi-function peripheral address and passkey received in step S402 from the storage area in the contact/noncontact IC card 26 (S408), and completes the process. Thus, stealing of the multi-function peripheral address by a third party with malicious intent is prevented.

As described above, in the communication system, the information processing system and the image formation system according to Embodiment 2, by just bringing the mobile phone 2 which selected a file to be printed beforehand close to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is caused to print the file, and thus the printing operation is extremely facilitated.

The above description has explained an image forming apparatus, a mobile information terminal device, a communication system, an information processing system, and an image formation system according to the present invention by illustrating an example including the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (image forming apparatus) and the mobile phone 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the mobile phone 2 may be a digital camera, a mobile computer, or a mobile terminal device called a PDA, with a communication function. Moreover, the present invention may have not only a structure for sending data from the mobile phone 2 to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, but also a structure for sending document image data read by a scanner of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the mobile phone 2. Further, the present invention may have a structure for sending facsimile image data, electronic data etc. stored in the storage device in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the mobile phone 2. In addition, it is possible to produce the same effects as those of the present invention between devices, each of which having two or more communication means for communicating with each other like the reader/writer 15 and the wireless communication section 16 in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (the image forming apparatus) and the contact/noncontact IC card 26 and the wireless communication section 27 in the mobile phone 2.

Although Embodiment 2 explains an example in which when the user brings the mobile phone 2 very close to the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the multi-function peripheral address is sent from the reader/writer 15 to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2, the present invention is not limited to this. For instance, the present invention may be configured to send the mobile phone address from the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 to the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 when the user brings the mobile phone 2 very close to the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, although deletion of the address and passkey is performed in only one way, a mobile phone 2 may be provided with a control section for sending a deletion instruction. In this configuration, even if an image forming apparatus (a digital multi-function peripheral 1) having no deletion control section is used, the address stored in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is certainly deleted by an address deletion instruction from the mobile phone 2, thereby further enhancing security. Moreover, the present invention may be configured to let the user to decide whether to delete or keep the addresses stored in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2, and receive an instruction according to the result of decision. For example, in the case when the user communicates with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 many times at short intervals, if data about the addresses and passkey are left in the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2, there is a merit that the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 are enabled to communicate with each other without the process of bringing the mobile phone 2 very close to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

Although Embodiments 1 and 2 describe an example in which the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (the image forming apparatus) receives image data from the mobile phone 2 and prints an image (forms an image) on the basis of the image data, the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, the present invention produces similar effects even when performing so-called data processing (or information processing) such as, for example, receiving text data from a mobile computer or a mobile terminal device called a PDA and editing the text data, or receiving image data and scaling or rotating the image data.

Embodiment 3

The Following Will Explain a Communication Process and an image formation process which are performed by a digital multi-function peripheral 1 and a mobile phone 2 in an information processing system and an image formation system according to Embodiment 3. Parts similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above will be designated with the same reference codes, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

In Embodiment 3, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the unique Bluetooth address (identification data, unique address) of the wireless communication section 16 through the reader/writer 15 to an external device, it stores this fact in the storage section 14.

In Embodiment 3, the operation panel 12 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 has the “Connection Establishment Restriction” key for receiving from a user the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted by the digital multi-function peripheral 1. When the user operates the “Connection Establishment Restriction” key on the operation panel 12, the display section 13 displays a connection selection receiving screen for receiving from the user the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted by the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Moreover, the operation panel 12 of Embodiment 3 displays in the display section 13 an image (screen) on the basis of data received from the mobile phone 2 with which the connection has been established.

Next, an outline of the functions of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of Embodiment 3 will be explained. The following will explain an example in which the digital multi-function peripheral 1 obtains image data from the mobile phone 2 and prints an image on the basis of the obtained image data. In Embodiment 3, the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 communicates with the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by a noncontact communication system (RFID system), and the wireless communication section 27 of the mobile phone 2 performs wireless communication with the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by a Bluetooth communication system. The mobile phone 2 retrieves listing data of the file names of images, documents etc. stored in the flash memory 24, according to a request from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and sends it to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.

When the mobile phone 2 has approached within a range of a given distance, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the Bluetooth address of the wireless communication section 16 (the multi-function peripheral address) from the reader/writer 15 to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2, and stores data indicating this fact in the storage section 14. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the processing steps to be performed by the CPU in the control section 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of Embodiment 3.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides whether or not the mobile phone 2 has approached within a given range (S501). More specifically, when the reader/writer 15 receives a response signal sent from the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 in respond to an activation signal sent by the reader/writer 15, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has approached within the given range.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has not approached within the given range (S501: NO), it waits until the mobile phone 2 approaches within the given range. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the mobile phone 2 has approached within the given range (S501: YES), it retrieves the multi-function peripheral address held by the wireless communication section 16 and sends it to the reader/writer 15. Then, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the multi-function peripheral address through the reader/writer 15 to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 (S502). The multi-function peripheral address sent to the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 is stored in the storage section in the contact/noncontact IC card 26. Note that the mobile phone 2 writes the received multi-function peripheral address in the private area 26A (see FIG. 4) in the contact/noncontact IC card 26.

Next, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stores in the storage section 14 data indicating that the multi-function peripheral address was sent by the reader/writer 15. For example, a job status management area for storing the status of sending the multi-function peripheral address by the reader/writer 15 is provided in a part of the storage area in the storage section 14. The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 writes “Stopped” in the job status management area in the storage section 14 before the multi-function peripheral address is sent by the reader/writer 15, and writes (rewrites) “Executing” in the job status management area in the storage section 14 after the reader/writer 15 sent the multi-function peripheral address (S503).

Thereafter, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 performs a later-described connection establishment and data receiving process (S504).

After completing the connection establishment and data receiving process, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 writes “Stopped” again in the storage section 14 (S505), and finishes the process.

Next, the connection establishment and data receiving process will be explained in detail. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are flowcharts illustrating the processing steps to be performed by the CPUs in the control section 11 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the control section 21 of the mobile phone 3 of Embodiment 3.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 monitors the “Connection Establishment Restriction” key on the operation panel 12, and displays the connection selection receiving screen in the display section 13 when the user operates the “Connection Establishment Restriction” key. The CPU (selection receiving means) of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives through the connection selection receiving screen the selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (S601).

This process will be explained in detail below. As a method for an external device to make a connection establishment request to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (wireless communication section 16), two patterns are considered. In the first pattern, a device which received the multi-function peripheral address sent from the reader/writer 15 makes a connection establishment request to the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 by using the received multi-function peripheral address. In short, this is a connection establishment request (first connection establishment request) from the recipient of the multi-function peripheral address. In the second pattern, a device which did not receive the multi-function peripheral address makes a connection establishment request to the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Namely, this is a connection establishment request (second connection establishment request) from other than the recipient of the multi-function peripheral address. As the second pattern, there may be a case where other Bluetooth compatible device within a given short distance (for example 100m) from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (the wireless connection device 16) searches for and obtains the multi-function peripheral address of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (the wireless communication section 16) and makes a connection establishment request by using the obtained multi-function peripheral address, or a case where other Bluetooth compatible device makes a connection establishment request by using the communication history if it communicated with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (the wireless communication section 16) in the past. The digital multi-function peripheral 1 of Embodiment 3 may establish a pattern of connection selected from these two patterns according to a need. The above-described first pattern is called the “via pattern” and the second pattern is called the “direct pattern” below.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view illustrating one example of the connection selection receiving screen. Selections (soft keys) representing “1. Allow only requests via the reader/writer”, “2. Allow only direct requests”, and “3. Allow both” are displayed in the connection selection receiving screen, and the user may select one of them by suitably operating the operation panel 12 (or the touch panel). The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 stores the selection received through the connection selection receiving screen in the storage section 14. For example, when “1. Allow only requests via the reader/writer” is selected, only connection establishment requests corresponding to “via pattern” are accepted. When “2. Allow only direct requests” is selected, only connection establishment requests corresponding to “direct pattern” are accepted. When “3. Allow both” is selected, connection establishment requests corresponding to “via pattern” and “direct pattern” are accepted.

When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 decides that the multi-function peripheral address has been received from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (see S502), it stores the received multi-function peripheral address in the storage area in the contact/noncontact IC card 26. The CPU of the mobile phone 2 which received the multi-function peripheral address makes a connection establishment request to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (S701). More specifically, the CPU of the mobile phone 2 sends the Bluetooth address of the wireless communication section 27 (the mobile phone address) and data requesting for pairing to the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 monitors the wireless communication section 16 and decides whether or not there is a connection establishment request (or a pairing request) from the mobile phone 2 (S602). When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that there is not a connection establishment request (S602: NO), it waits until a connection establishment request is made by the mobile phone 2. When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that it has received a connection establishment request (S602: YES), it stores the mobile phone address received from the mobile phone 2 in the storage section 14.

Next, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides, on the basis of the data stored in the storage section 14, whether or not the selection received in step S601 is “via pattern” (S603). When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the selection is “via pattern” (S603: YES), it decides whether or not the connection establishment request received in step S602 was the connection of “via pattern” (via the reader/writer 15) (S604). Here, by referring to the data stored in the job status management area in the storage section 14, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides whether or not the connection establishment request received in step S602 is a connection establishment request (a first connection establishment request) from the device (mobile phone 2) to which the reader/writer 15 sent the multi-function peripheral address.

More specifically, if “Executing” is written in the job status management area in the storage section 14, the multi-function peripheral address was already sent by the reader/writer 15, and therefore the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the received connection establishment request is a request for connection establishment of “via pattern” from the recipient device (mobile phone 2) to which the multi-function peripheral address was sent. If “Stopped” is written in the job status management area in the storage section 14, the reader/writer 15 has not sent the multi-function peripheral address, and therefore the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the received connection establishment request is a connection establishment request of “direct pattern” from a device which is not the recipient of the multi-function peripheral address.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the connection establishment request received in step 5602 was the connection of “via pattern” (via the reader/writer 15) (S604: YES), it displays the passkey input screen asking for the input of passkey in the display section 13 of the operation panel 12 (S605), and asks the user to input the passkey to establish a connection according to the received connection establishment request. The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the input of the passkey from the user through the operation panel 12 (or the touch panel of the display section 13) and stores the received passkey temporarily in the storage section 14.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the connection establishment request received in step S602 was not the connection of “via pattern” (via the reader/writer 15) (S604: NO), it decides that a connection establishment request of “direct pattern” was made, and invalidates the received connection establishment request (S617) and finishes the process.

In step S603, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the received selection is not “via pattern” (S603: NO), then it decides whether or not the received selection is “direct pattern” (S614).

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the received selection is not “direct pattern” (S614: NO), then it decides that “3. Allow Both” was selected, and moves the process to step S605.

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the received selection is “direct pattern” (S614: YES), it decides whether or not the connection establishment request received in step S602 was the connection of “via pattern” (via the reader/writer 15) (S615).

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the connection establishment request received in step S602 was not the connection of “via pattern” (via the reader/writer 15) (S615: NO), it displays the passkey input screen asking for the input of passkey in the display section 13 of the operation panel 12 (S605) and requests the user to input the passkey in order to establish a connection in respond to the received connection establishment request.

On the other hand, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the connection establishment request received in step S602 was the connection of “via pattern” (via the reader/writer 15) (S615: YES), it decides that it received a connection establishment request of “via pattern”, and invalidates the received connection establishment request (S616) and finishes the process.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 compares the passkey received through the passkey input screen displayed in step S605 with the passkey stored in advance in the storage section 14. If the passkeys match, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 establishes a connection with the mobile phone 2 (or completes pairing). Hence, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 are set to be ready to communicate with each other. On the other hand, when the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the passkeys do not match, it displays this fact and the screen asking for the input of passkey again in the display section 13.

Next, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 requests the listing data of file names by sending data requesting for the listing data of the file names of images, documents etc. held by the mobile phone 2 with which the connection has been established to the wireless communication section 27 of the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S606).

When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 receives the data requesting for the listing data from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (S702), it retrieves the requested listing data from the flash memory 24 and sends it to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S703).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives through the wireless communication section 16 the listing data sent from the mobile phone 2 (S607), and stores it in the storage section 14.

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 displays, on the basis of the listing data stored in the storage section 14, the file name list screen for receiving the selection of a desired file to be printed from the user as illustrated in FIG. 5 in the display section 13 (S608).

The CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the selection of a file from the user through the operation panel 12 and the touch panel of the display section 13 (S609), and sends data requesting for image data of the file selected (selected file) to the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S610).

When the CPU of the mobile phone 2 receives the request for the image data of the selected file from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (S704), it retrieves the image data of the selected file from the flash memory 24 and sends it to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 through the wireless communication section 27 (S705).

When the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 receives the image data of the selected file from the mobile phone 2 through the wireless communication section 16 (S611), it stores the received image data in the storage section 14.

Next, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 sends the image data stored in the storage section 14 to the image output section 19 and prints an image on the basis of the image data received from the mobile phone 2 by the image output section 19 (S612).

After printing is executed completely, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 cuts off the connection to the mobile phone 2 (S613) and finishes the communication. At this time, the CPU of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may delete the mobile phone address received in step S602 and the passkey received in step S605 from the storage section 14.

Although Embodiment 3 explains a configuration in which the user manually inputs the passkey in order to certainly input the passkey, the passkey may be sent and received through the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the contact/noncontact IC card 26 of the mobile phone 2 if simplicity has priority.

For a device which is not capable of inputting a passkey (such as a mouse and a headset), the passkey may be set to a fixed value, or the device may be configured to eliminate the necessity of inputting the passkey. For example, for such a device which is not capable of inputting a passkey, a simple combination of numbers such as, for example, “0000” may be set as the default passkey.

The digital multi-function peripheral 1 may be configured to stop sending the multi-function peripheral address from the reader/writer 15, or stop supplying power to the reader/writer 15, when the “direct pattern” is set in the digital multi-function peripheral 1. In such a configuration, since the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is disabled to send the multi-function peripheral address, communication via the reader/writer 15 is completely blocked.

The present invention may also be configured so that if the mobile phone 2 is brought very close to the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 when “direct pattern” is set, a message stating that only Bluetooth connection establishment is currently available, or a message stating that only Bluetooth connection establishment is to be requested, is displayed in the display sections 22 and 13 of the mobile phone 2 and the digital multi-function peripheral 1, respectively. With this display, the user notices his/her mistake and may easily understand the way to deal with the mistake. On other hand, if a request for connection establishment by “direct pattern” is made by an external device when the “via pattern” is set, a message stating that only connection establishment by “via pattern” is currently available, or a message stating that connection establishment by “via pattern” is to be requested, may be displayed in the display sections 22 and 13 of the mobile phone 2 and the digital multi-function peripheral 1, respectively.

In Embodiment 3, although a decision as to whether or not a connection establishment request received by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 (the wireless communication section 16) is “via pattern” or “direct pattern” is made on the basis of whether or not “Executing” is stored in the job status management area in the storage section 14 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be configured so that if the mobile phone 2 is brought very close to the reader/writer 15 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 when the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is set to the “via pattern”, the reader/writer 15 sends the multi-function peripheral address and a flag indicating that communication is performed via the reader/writer 15 to the mobile phone 2. In this case, when establishing a connection between the digital multi-function peripheral 1 and the mobile phone 2 later, the mobile phone 2 sends the flag together with a connection establishment request to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. Then, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides whether the connection establishment request received from the mobile phone 2 is a request for connection establishment via the reader/writer 15 or a request for connection establishment of “direct pattern” by confirming whether or not the data corresponding to the connection establishment request includes the flag. In other words, if the flag is not confirmed even when “via pattern” is set, the digital multi-function peripheral 1 decides that the request is a request for connection establishment of “direct pattern”, and rejects the connection establishment request. Such a configuration makes it possible to more accurately decide whether a received connection establishment request is a request for connection establishment of “via pattern”, or “direct pattern”.

The user of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may select a method suitable for him/her from these setting methods to enable only a connection according to a connection method suitable for him/her. The present invention may be configured to allow a manager, instead of a user, to select a connection method. For instance, in the case of a rental digital multi-function peripheral installed in a convenience store, when the manager sets the digital multi-function peripheral to allow only “via pattern”, even if a request for connection establishment by Bluetooth is made outside the store, this request is rejected, and therefore it is possible to enable only a customer using the digital multi-function peripheral inside the store to use Bluetooth communication via the reader/writer.

In the case where the digital multi-function peripheral is used in a limited environment, such as within a company, for example, if not only communication of “via pattern”, but also communication of “direct pattern” is enabled, even when the user sits distant from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, he/she may establish a connection with the digital multi-function peripheral 1 without moving to the digital multi-function peripheral 1. As described above, since a connection method is selectable, it is possible to select a connection method suitable for the use situation or the installation situation of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and it is also possible to enhance security performance.

Although the above description explains an example in which the mobile phone 2 sends data to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, document image data read by the scanner of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may be sent to other digital multi-function peripheral, or facsimile image data, electronic data etc. stored in the storage section of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 may be sent to other digital multi-function peripheral. Further, if two or more communication means are provided like the reader/writer 15 and the wireless communication section 16 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, it is possible to produce the same effects as those of the present invention.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiments are therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than by the description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and bounds thereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

Claims

1. A communication system including a first communication device and a second communication device, each of the first communication device and the second communication device having a plurality of wireless communication sections to communicate with each other, wherein

the first communication device comprises: a first communication section for establishing a connection and communicating with the second communication device; a second communication section for sending identification data of the first communication device to the second communication device; and a connection rejecting section for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the second communication device, and

the second communication device comprises: a third communication section for receiving the identification data of the first communication device; and a fourth communication section for establishing a connection and communicating with the first communication section by using the identification data received by the third communication section.

2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device comprises a stopping section for stopping the second communication section from sending the identification data after a connection is established with the second communication device.

3. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication device comprises:

a first storage section for storing the identification data received by the third communication section; and

a first deleting section for deleting the identification data from the first storage section after communication by the fourth communication section is finished.

4. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first communication device comprises:

a second storage section for receiving and storing identification data of the second communication device; and

a second deleting section for deleting the identification data of the second communication device from the second storage section after communication by the first communication section is finished.

5. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the second communication section and the third communication section perform communication using a RFID system, and

the first communication section and the fourth communication section perform wireless communication over longer distances than communication using the RFID system.

6. The communication system according to claim 3, wherein the first storage section stores the identification data received by the third communication section in a free area within a storage area in the RFID system.

7. An information processing system including a communication terminal device, and an information processing device for obtaining data from the communication terminal device and processing the data, wherein

the information processing device comprises: a first sending/receiving section for establishing a connection with the communication terminal device and sending/receiving data; a sending section for sending identification data of the information processing device to the communication terminal device; and a connection rejecting section for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the communication terminal device, and

the communication terminal device comprises: a receiving section for receiving the identification data of the information processing device; and a second sending/receiving section for establishing a connection with the first sending/receiving section and sending/receiving data by using the identification data received by the receiving section.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the information processing device comprises:

a display section;

an obtaining section for obtaining content data held by the communication terminal device; and

a display control section for displaying an image corresponding to the content data obtained by the obtaining section in the display section.

9. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the information processing device comprises a notification section for notifying the communication terminal device about occurrence of an error or normal completion of data processing.

10. An image formation system including a mobile communication device, and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, wherein

the image forming apparatus comprises: a first sending/receiving section for establishing a connection with the mobile communication device and sending/receiving data; a sending section for sending identification data of the image forming apparatus to the mobile communication device; and a connection rejecting section for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the mobile communication device, and

the mobile communication device comprises: a receiving section for receiving the identification data of the image forming apparatus; and a second sending/receiving section for establishing a connection with the first sending/receiving section and sending/receiving data by using the identification data received by the receiving section.

11. The image formation system according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises a stopping section for stopping the sending section from sending the identification data after a connection is established with the mobile communication device.

12. The image formation system according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises:

a display section;

an obtaining section for obtaining content data held by the mobile communication device; and

a display control section for displaying an image corresponding to the content data obtained by the obtaining section in the display section.

13. The image formation system according to claim 10, wherein the image forming apparatus comprises a notification section for notifying the mobile communication device about occurrence of an error or normal completion of image formation.

14. The image formation system according to claim 10, wherein the mobile communication device comprises a display section for displaying an image on the basis of content data stored, and

when the receiving section approaches within a given distance from the sending section of the image forming apparatus with an image corresponding to arbitrary content data displayed in the display section, the second sending/receiving section sends the arbitrary content data to the first sending/receiving section.

15. An image forming apparatus for obtaining image data from an external device and forming an image on the basis of the image data, comprising:

a receiving section for establishing a connection with one device and receiving image data;

a sending section for sending its identification data to the one device; and

a connection rejecting section for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the one device.

16. The image forming-apparatus according to n claim 15, comprising a stopping section for stopping the sending section from sending the identification data after a connection is established with the one device.

17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, comprising:

a display section; and

a display control section for displaying an image corresponding to image data received by the receiving section in the display section.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, comprising a notification section for notifying the one device about occurrence of an error or normal completion of image formation.

19. A mobile information terminal device for communicating with an external device, comprising:

a first communication section for establishing a connection with one device and sending/receiving data;

a second communication section for receiving identification data of the one device; and

a connection rejecting section for rejecting a connection establishment request from other devices after a connection is established with the one device.

20. The mobile information terminal device according to claim 19, comprising:

a storage section for storing the identification data received by the second communication section; and

a deleting section for deleting the identification data from the storage section after the first communication section sends/receives data by using the identification data.

21. The mobile information terminal device according to claim 19, comprising a display section for displaying an image on the basis of content data stored, wherein

when the mobile information terminal device approaches within a given distance from the one device with an image corresponding to arbitrary content data displayed in the display section, the first communication section sends the arbitrary content data to the one device.

22. An information processing system including a communication device, and an information processing device for obtaining data from the communication device and processing the data, wherein

the information processing device comprises: a first sending/receiving section for sending/receiving data to/from the communication device; and a sending section for sending identification data of the first sending/receiving section to the communication device,

wherein the first sending/receiving section is controlled to receive at least one of a first connection establishment request from the communication device that is a recipient of the identification data and a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient, and

the communication device comprises: a receiving section for receiving the identification data of the first sending/receiving section; and a second sending/receiving section for establishing a connection with the first sending/receiving section and sending/receiving data by using the identification data received by the receiving section.

23. The information processing system according to claim 22, wherein the information processing device comprises:

a selection receiving section for receiving selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted between the first connection establishment request and the second connection establishment request;

a storage section for storing data indicating that the identification data was sent when the sending section sent the identification data;

a deciding section for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storage section whether or not the connection establishment request received by the first sending/receiving section is the first connection establishment request; and

a connection establishing section for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding section, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving section and establishing a connection.

24. The information processing system according to claim 22, wherein the sending section and the receiving section perform communication using a RFID system, and

the first sending/receiving section and the second sending/receiving section perform wireless communication over longer distances or at a higher rate than communication using the RFID system.

25. The information processing system according to claim 24, wherein the communication device stores the identification data received by the receiving section in a free area within a storage area in the RFID system.

26. An information processing device comprising:

a sending/receiving section for sending/receiving data to/from an external device; and

a sending section for sending identification data of the sending/receiving section, wherein

the sending/receiving section is controlled to receive at least one of a first connection establishment request from a recipient of the identification data and a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient.

27. The information processing device according to claim 26, comprising:

a selection receiving section for receiving selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted between the first connection establishment request and the second connection establishment request;

a storage section for storing data indicating that the identification data was sent when the sending section sent the identification data;

a deciding section for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storage section whether or not the connection establishment request received by the sending/receiving section is the first connection establishment request; and

a connection establishing section for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding section, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving section and establishing a connection.

28. The information processing device according to claim 26, wherein the sending section performs communication using a RFID system, and

the sending/receiving section performs wireless communication over longer distances or at a higher rate than communication using the RFID system.

29. An image forming apparatus comprising:

an information processing device according to claim 26; and

an image forming section for forming an image on the basis of data received by the sending/receiving section of the information processing device.

30. The image forming apparatus according to claim 29, comprising:

a display section; and

a display control section for displaying in the display section an image on the basis of data received by the sending/receiving section of the information processing device.

31. An image formation system including a mobile communication device, and an image forming apparatus for obtaining data from the mobile communication device and forming an image on the basis of the data, wherein

the image forming apparatus comprises: a first data communication section for sending/receiving data to/from the mobile communication device by using a Bluetooth communication system; a data sending section for sending a unique address of the first data communication section to the mobile communication device by using a RFID communication system; a selection receiving section for receiving selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted between a first connection establishment request from the mobile communication device that is a recipient of the unique address and a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient; a storage section for storing data indicating that the unique address was sent when the data sending section sent the unique address; a deciding section for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storage section whether or not the connection establishment request received by the first data communication section is the first connection establishment request; and a connection establishing section for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding section, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving section and establishing a connection,

the mobile communication device comprises: an address receiving section for receiving the unique address by using the RFID communication system; and a second data communication section for sending/receiving data by the Bluetooth communication system to/from the first data communication section by using the unique address received by the address receiving section, and

the image forming apparatus further comprises an image forming section for forming on a sheet an image on the basis of received image data when the first data communication section received the image data from a mobile communication device with which a connection has been established by the connection establishing section.

32. An image forming apparatus comprising:

a communication section for performing communication by using a Bluetooth communication system;

a sending section for sending a unique address of the communication section by using a RFID communication system;

a selection receiving section for receiving selection of a connection establishment request to be accepted between a first connection establishment request from a recipient of the unique address and a second connection establishment request from other than the recipient;

a storage section for storing data indicating that the unique address was sent when the sending section sent the unique address;

a deciding section for deciding on the basis of data stored in the storage section whether or not the connection establishment request received by the communication section is the first connection establishment request;

a connection establishing section for accepting, on the basis of a result of decision made by the deciding section, a connection establishment request according to the selection received by the selection receiving section and establishing a connection; and

an image forming section for forming on a sheet an image on the basis of received image data when the communication section received the image data from a communication partner with which a connection has been established by the connection establishing section.