JP4109128B2 - Image forming apparatus and image processing method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having a network function, and more particularly, to an image forming apparatus and an image for displaying a device on the network.processingRegarding the method.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recently, image forming apparatuses have not only image formation but also communication functions, and composite type image forming apparatuses having a plurality of functions such as a printing apparatus, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copying machine have been developed and spread.
[0003]
In such a composite image forming apparatus, for example, by communicating with other devices via Ethernet, for example, image information from a personal computer is received, printing processing is performed, or scanning is performed from a scanner. You can perform processing such as transferring image information to a computer. By using the communication function in this way, it is possible to perform processing in cooperation with devices on the network.
[0004]
As a related art related to this, there is an example showing an image forming apparatus capable of setting an operation mode (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this image forming apparatus, it is possible to set a transfer destination when performing data transfer as an item when setting various operation modes, thereby enabling not only processing of the image forming apparatus main body but also on the network. Enables processing using equipment.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-13381.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the setting process in the conventional apparatus described above, when there are a large number of devices on the network, it is difficult to intuitively identify one device on the network, and the scale of the network increases. As a result, there is a problem that setting of devices on the network becomes a burden on the user.
[0007]
  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image capable of intuitively setting a device on a network on a setting screen.processingIt aims to provide a method.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  One embodiment for solving the problem is:
  In an image forming apparatus that reads an original image with a scanner and forms an image on a recording medium based on the read image information.
  A communication unit connected to a network and communicating with a plurality of devices on the network;
  Display images according to image informationA display unit;
  Collecting identification information and a plurality of file information of a plurality of devices on the network via the communication unit, and arranging the plurality of devices in a tree shape based on the collected identification information and a plurality of file information of the devices And display a screen for displaying the plurality of files on the display unit,
  Specify one file to be printed from the plurality of files,
  Displaying a screen showing an input means for setting printing conditions for the specified file on the display unit;
  An image forming system comprising: a processing unit that generates the image information and supplies the image information to the display unit so as to display on the display unit a screen showing a printing result according to a printing condition set from the input unit. Device.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an image forming method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the display function of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the filing initial screen of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a capture destination setting selection screen, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a capture destination setting pop-up screen, and FIG. 7 is a capture preview. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing an example of a pop-up screen, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a digital color copying machine according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the digital color copying machine.
[0012]
In the image forming apparatus and the image forming method according to the present invention, the user can easily know the network structure by displaying a plurality of devices on the connected network in a tree shape on the control panel which is an operation panel. In addition, a specific device on the network can be selected by an intuitive operation.
[0013]
FIGS. 1 and 2 show examples of transition screens when a plurality of devices on the network are displayed in a tree shape, and FIGS. 3 to 7 show examples of specific operation screens.
[0014]
(Image forming apparatus according to the present invention)
First, an example of the configuration of a composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of a digital color copying machine which is an example of a composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The digital color copying machine includes a scanner unit 1 as a reading function and a printer unit 2 as an image forming function.
[0015]
A scanner unit 1 that reads an image of a document has a document table cover 3 at the top thereof, and is opposed to the document table cover 3 in a closed state, and has a document table 4 made of transparent glass on which a document D is set. is doing. Below the document table 4, an exposure lamp 5 for illuminating the document D placed on the document table 4, a reflector 6 for condensing the light from the exposure lamp 5 on the document D, and reflected light from the document D A first mirror 7 or the like that is bent in the left direction in FIG. The exposure lamp 5, the reflector 6, and the first mirror 7 are fixed to the first carriage 8. The first carriage 8 is connected to a pulse motor (not shown) via a toothed belt (not shown) and the like, and the driving force of the pulse motor is transmitted to move in parallel along the document table 4.
[0016]
The left side of the drawing with respect to the first carriage 8, that is, the direction in which the reflected light reflected by the first mirror 7 is guided, is parallel to the document table 4 via a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a toothed belt and a DC motor. A second carriage 9 is provided so as to be movable. The second carriage 9 includes a second mirror 11 that folds the reflected light from the document D guided by the first mirror 7 downward, and a third mirror that folds the reflected light from the second mirror 11 to the right in the drawing. 12 are arranged at right angles to each other. The second carriage 9 is driven by the first carriage 8 and is moved in parallel along the document table 4 at a speed ½ with respect to the first carriage 8.
[0017]
An imaging lens 13 that forms an image of the reflected light from the second carriage 9 at a predetermined magnification is disposed in a plane including the optical axis of the light reflected through the second carriage 9. A CCD image sensor (photoelectric conversion element) 15 for converting the reflected light, which is focused by the imaging lens 13, into an electric signal, that is, image data, is arranged in a plane substantially orthogonal to the optical axis of the light that has passed. Yes.
[0018]
Thus, when the light from the exposure lamp 5 is condensed on the document D on the document table 4 by the reflector 6, the reflected light from the document D is converted into the first mirror 7, the second mirror 11, the third mirror 12, and The light enters the CCD image sensor 15 through the imaging lens 13 and is converted into image data here.
[0019]
The printer unit 2 is a color-separated image for each color component based on a well-known subtractive color mixing method, that is, yellow (yellow, hereinafter referred to as y), magenta (a type of red, hereinafter referred to as m), It has first to fourth image forming units 10y, 10m, 10c, and 10k that respectively form images of four colors of cyan (bluish purple, hereinafter referred to as c) and black (black, hereinafter referred to as k). is doing.
[0020]
Below each of the image forming units 10y, 10m, 10c, and 10k, there is a transport mechanism 20 as a transport unit including a transport belt 21 that transports an image of each color formed by each image forming unit in the direction of arrow a in the figure. It is arranged. The conveyor belt 21 is wound and stretched between a driving roller 91 that is rotated in the direction of arrow a by a belt motor (not shown) and a driven roller 92 that is spaced a predetermined distance from the driving roller 91, and is constant in the direction of arrow a. Travel endlessly at speed. The image forming units 10y, 10m, 10c, and 10k are arranged in series along the conveyance direction of the conveyance belt 21.
[0021]
Each of the image forming units 10y, 10m, 10c, and 10k is a photosensitive drum 61y, 61m, 61c, and 61k as an image carrier whose outer peripheral surface is formed to be rotatable in the same direction at a position in contact with the conveyance belt 21. Is included. A drum motor (not shown) for rotating each photosensitive drum at a predetermined peripheral speed is connected to each photosensitive drum.
[0022]
The axes of the respective photoconductive drums 61y, 61m, 61c, and 61k are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the direction in which the image is conveyed by the conveyance belt 21, and the axes of the respective photoconductive drums are arranged at equal intervals. In the following description, the axial direction of each photosensitive drum is defined as a main scanning direction (second direction), and the direction in which the photosensitive drum is rotated, that is, the rotation direction of the conveying belt 21 (the direction of arrow a in the figure). The sub-scanning direction (first direction) is assumed.
[0023]
Around each photosensitive drum 61y, 61m, 61c, 61k, charging devices 62y, 62m, 62c, 62k as charging means extended in the main scanning direction, neutralizing devices 63y, 63m, 63c, 63k, main scanning Developing rollers 64y, 64m, 64c, 64k as developing means extended in the same direction, lower stirring rollers 67y, 67m, 67c, 67k, upper stirring rollers 68y, 68m, 68c, 68k, similarly in the main scanning direction Transfer devices 93y, 93m, 93c, 93k as extended transfer means, cleaning blades 65y, 65m, 65c, 65k similarly extended in the main scanning direction, and waste toner collection screws 66y, 66m, 66c, 66k Are arranged in order along the rotation direction of the corresponding photosensitive drum.
[0024]
Each transfer device is disposed at a position where the conveyance belt 21 is sandwiched between the transfer drums, that is, inside the conveyance belt 21. Further, exposure points by an exposure device described later are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photosensitive drum between the charging device and the developing roller, respectively.
[0025]
Below the transport mechanism 20, paper cassettes 22a and 22b containing a plurality of recording papers P as image forming media to which images formed by the image forming units 10y, 10m, 10c, and 10k are transferred are arranged. Yes.
[0026]
Pop-up rollers 23a and 23b for taking out the recording paper P stored in the paper cassettes 22a and 22b one by one (from the top) at one end of the paper cassettes 22a and 22b and on the side close to the driven roller 92 Is arranged. Between the pickup rollers 23a and 23b and the driven roller 92, the leading edge of the recording paper P taken out from the paper cassettes 22a and 22b and the leading edge of the y toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 61y of the image forming unit 10y are disposed. A registration roller 24 for alignment is disposed. The toner images (m, c, k) formed on the other photosensitive drums 11y, 11m, 11c are supplied to the transfer positions in accordance with the conveyance timing of the recording paper P conveyed on the conveyance belt 21. The
[0027]
Between the registration roller 24 and the first image forming unit 10y, in the vicinity of the driven roller 92, substantially on the outer periphery of the driven roller 92 with the conveying belt 21 interposed therebetween, a predetermined roller via the registration roller 24 is provided. An adsorption roller 26 that provides a predetermined electrostatic attraction force is disposed on the recording paper P that is conveyed at the timing. Note that the axis of the suction roller 26 and the axis of the driven roller 92 are arranged in parallel to each other.
[0028]
One end of the conveyance belt 21, in the vicinity of the drive roller 91, substantially on the outer periphery of the drive roller 91 across the conveyance belt 21, for detecting the position of the image formed on the conveyance belt 21. A misalignment sensor 96 is arranged at a predetermined distance from the drive roller 91. The positional deviation sensor 96 is configured by a transmissive or reflective optical sensor.
[0029]
On the outer periphery of the drive roller 91 and on the downstream side of the position deviation sensor 96, a conveyor belt cleaning device 95 that removes toner adhering to the conveyor belt 21 or paper dust of the recording paper P is disposed. Has been.
[0030]
In the direction in which the recording paper P transported via the transport belt 21 is separated from the driving roller 91 and further transported, the toner image transferred to the recording paper P is melted by heating the recording paper P to a predetermined temperature. In addition, a fixing device 80 for fixing the toner image on the recording paper P is disposed. The fixing device 80 includes a pair of heat rollers 81, oil application rollers 82 and 83, a web take-up roller 84, a web roller 85, and a web pressing roller 86. The toner formed on the recording paper P is fixed on the recording paper, and is discharged by the discharge roller pair 87.
[0031]
An exposure apparatus 50 that forms an electrostatic latent image that is color-separated on the outer peripheral surface of each photoconductive drum is provided with image data (y, m, c, k) for each color that is color-separated by an image processing apparatus to be described later. ), The semiconductor laser 60 whose emission is controlled based on the above. On the optical path of the semiconductor laser 60, the polygon mirror 51 rotated by the polygon motor 54 that reflects and scans the laser beam, and the focus of the laser beam reflected through the polygon mirror 51 is corrected and imaged. The fθ lenses 52 and 53 are provided in order.
[0032]
Between the fθ lens 53 and the photosensitive drums 61y, 61m, 61c, and 61k, a first folding mirror that folds the laser beam for each color that has passed through the fθ lens 53 toward the exposure position of each photosensitive drum. 55 (y, m, c, k) and second and third folding mirrors 56 (y, m, c), 57 for further folding the laser beam folded by the first folding mirrors 55 y, 55 m, 55 c (Y, m, c) are arranged. The black laser beam is folded back by the first folding mirror 55k and then guided to the photosensitive drum 61k without passing through another mirror.
[0033]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing a signal flow for electrical connection and control of the digital color copying machine in FIG. Referring to FIG. 9, the digital color copying machine includes three CPUs: a main CPU 31 in the main control unit 30, a scanner CPU 100 in the scanner unit 1, and a printer CPU 110 in the printer unit 2. The main CPU 31 performs bidirectional communication with the printer CPU 110 via the shared RAM 35. The main CPU 31 issues an operation instruction, and the printer CPU 110 returns a status status. The printer CPU 110 and the scanner CPU 100 perform serial communication, the printer CPU 110 issues an operation instruction, and the scanner CPU 100 returns a status status.
[0034]
The control panel 40 is connected to the main CPU 31 and includes a panel CPU 41 that controls the whole, a liquid crystal display 42, and a print key 43. Through the processing of the panel CPU 41 and the main CPU 31 described later, a network and a tree-like display of a plurality of devices, which are features of the present invention described later, are performed.
[0035]
The main control unit 30 includes a main CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, NVM 34, shared RAM 35, image processing device 36, page memory control unit 37, page memory 38, printer controller 39, and printer font ROM 121.
[0036]
The main CPU 31 controls the entire main control unit 30. The ROM 32 stores a control program. The RAM 33 temporarily stores data.
[0037]
An NVM (non-volatile RAM) 34 is a non-volatile memory backed up by a battery (not shown), and holds data on the NVM 34 when the power is turned off.
[0038]
The shared RAM 35 is used for bidirectional communication between the main CPU 31 and the printer CPU 110.
[0039]
The page memory control unit 37 stores or reads out image data in the page memory 38. The page memory 38 has an area where image data for a plurality of pages can be stored, and is formed so that data obtained by compressing image data from the scanner unit 1 can be stored for each page.
[0040]
The printer font ROM 121 stores font data corresponding to print data.
[0041]
The printer controller 39 stores print data from external devices 124-1 to 124-n on a network such as a personal computer in the printer font ROM 121 at a resolution corresponding to the data indicating the resolution given to the print data. The image data is developed using the existing font data.
[0042]
As an example, the interface 122 serving as a communication unit is an interface connected to the Internet via Ethernet or the like. Similarly, the interface 123 serving as a communication unit is an interface for communicating with a plurality of devices 124-1 to 124-n on the network in accordance with a communication protocol such as Ethernet. Further, the communication protocol here does not necessarily need to be Ethernet, but may be IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 or USB (Universal Serial Bus). In addition, it is also preferable to have all of a plurality of interfaces for simultaneously performing these networks based on Ethernet, IEEE 1394, USB, or other communication protocol.
[0043]
The scanner unit 1 includes a scanner CPU 100 that controls the entire scanner unit 1, a ROM 101 that stores a control program and the like, a RAM 102 for data storage, a CCD driver 103 that drives a CCD image sensor 15, an exposure lamp 5 and a mirror 7, 11. Scan motor driver 104 that controls the rotation of a motor that moves 11, 12, etc., A / D conversion circuit that converts an analog signal from the CCD image sensor 15 into a digital signal, variation in the CCD image sensor 15 or ambient temperature change, etc. An image correction unit comprising a shading correction circuit for correcting a change in threshold level with respect to an output signal from the CCD image sensor 15 caused by the above and a line memory for temporarily storing the shading corrected digital signal from the shading correction circuit It is constituted by 05.
[0044]
The printer unit 2 includes a printer CPU 110 that controls the entire printer unit 2, a ROM 111 that stores a control program and the like, a RAM 112 for data storage, a laser driver 113 that turns on / off light emitted from the semiconductor laser 60, and an exposure device 50. A polygon motor driver 114 for controlling the rotation of the polygon motor 54, a paper transport unit 115 for controlling the transport of the paper P by the transport mechanism 20, charging devices 62y, 62m, 62c, 62k, developing rollers 64y, 64m, 64c, 64k, transfer The image forming apparatus includes a development process unit 116 that performs charging, development, and transfer using the devices 93y, 93m, 93c, and 93k, a fixing control unit 117 that controls the fixing device 80, and an option unit 118.
[0045]
Further, the image processing device 36, the page memory 38, the printer controller 39, the image correction unit 105, and the laser driver 113 are connected by an image data bus 120.
[0046]
The composite image forming apparatus having the above-described configuration not only forms an image of a document image captured by the scanner unit 1 on a sheet as a recording medium using the printer unit 2 according to various specifications provided. Fax transmission / reception and e-mail transmission / reception can be performed via the interface units 122 and 123 which are communication units. Furthermore, as will be described later, the tree structure on the network is displayed, image information is acquired from the devices on the network, printed, and the image information captured by the scanner is transferred to the specified devices on the network and stored. can do.
[0047]
(Processing operation of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention)
In the composite image forming apparatus having such a configuration, the processing operation of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings with reference to the drawings.
[0048]
First, in the flowchart of FIG. 10, the digital color copying machine, which is a composite image forming apparatus that is turned on, displays an initial screen (not shown) on the liquid crystal display unit 42 as a function of the panel CPU 41 of the control panel 40 ( S31). Next, if a filing (network) area is selected from the initial screen by a touch panel operation or the like by the user (S32), in order to display the filing (network) screen of step S11 in the transition screen of FIG. Using the units 122 and 123, the identification information of each device 124-1 to 124-n on the network is collected (S33). Next, as a function of the main CPU 31 and the panel CPU 41 of the control panel 40, image information indicating a hierarchical network is generated based on the collected plurality of identification information and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 42 (S34). .
[0049]
This operation screen is shown by the operation screen S11 in FIG. 1, and further shows an example of the filing initial screen S21 in FIG. On the filing initial screen S21, MFP_001, which is a device on the network, a shared notebook PC, and a personal notebook PC are shown as a tree-like structure. It is prepared as referenceable information. Further, in this screen, “A folder”, “B folder”, and “VCI folder” are shown as folders of the MFP_001. Furthermore, in the right half from the center of the screen, a part of the file that “B folder” has is displayed on the screen. doc "," Proposed presentation. xls ”,“ Product Image. tif ”,“ MFP catalog. pdf ”,“ 1st meeting of the standards meeting. doc ”,“ Procedure of the minutes of the standards meeting. “ppt”, “rough rendering. bmp "," About MFP. txt ”,“ Operation screen explanation. “ppt” is shown, and the files in the folder can be displayed by operation.
[0050]
Here, it is preferable to display only the files in the folder that can be read and output by the image forming apparatus via the network. However, all the files can be displayed. In addition, when all files are displayed, for files that cannot be read and output, a warning such as "This file cannot be output directly" will be displayed if the user instructs to print this file. It is preferable to perform display.
[0051]
Next, according to the composite image forming apparatus of the present invention, at least image information is acquired and printed on a device on the network, or a document image read by the scanner unit 2 is printed on the device on the network. Can be transmitted and stored (S35).
[0052]
That is, in the case of printing, when one folder of one device on the network is selected by a touch panel operation or the like by the user, and when one file is selected as in the operation screen S12, next, for printing Various parameters such as double-sided / single-sided printing, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, auto color / full color / black printing mode, application mode such as 4in1, etc. can be set by a touch panel operation by the user as in the setting screen S13. Set as default. At this time, on the setting screen S12, the print result is predicted and displayed on the screen by the function of the main CPU 31 and / or the panel CPU 41. At this time, as shown in the setting screen S22 shown in FIG. 4, when the printing parameters are changed by a touch panel operation by the user or the like, the printing result corresponding to the setting change is predicted again by the functions of the main CPU 31 and / or the panel CPU 41. The screen is displayed.
[0053]
In FIG. 4, communication is established with a device on the network selected on the control panel by the user (S36), and image information in a specific file stored in this device is captured (S37). At this time, as shown in FIG. 4, if the parameter is set to print a 4-in-1 sort, non-staple, A4-size original on A4-size paper at a reduction rate of 50%, one-sided to single-sided, printed in 4-in-1 In this case, the print result is predicted by the operation of the main CPU 31 and / or the panel CPU 41 and displayed as the setting screen S22.
[0054]
That is, since the print result is displayed as 4 in 1 before printing, the user knows the print result based on the parameters set before printing, and further changes the parameter, for example, the print mode from auto color to full color. Or fine adjustment of the reduction ratio is possible. Each time the parameter is changed, a printing result corresponding to the changed parameter is predicted by the functions of the main CPU 31 and / or the panel CPU 41 and displayed as the setting screen S22.
[0055]
Here, “Nin1” shown on the operation screen S22 in FIG. 4 is a print mode in which, for example, four original images are reduced and combined and printed on one sheet (recording medium). Say one. This is not limited to 4in1, but can be set to 2in1, 8in1, and the like, and is a print mode that can reduce the number of print sheets by combining double-sided printing.
[0056]
Thereafter, when the start button is pressed, the captured image information is printed and output on the paper by the operation of the printer unit 2 under the given conditions (S38).
[0057]
As a result, the user can easily understand the network structure while displaying the tree structure of the network on the operation panel for image information stored anywhere on the network. You can specify a specific device and a specific file above. It is possible to print the image information of the easily operated file after confirming the print result in advance according to a desired print specification such as 4in1. Therefore, it is possible to freely select image information existing on the network and to print according to a desired print specification.
[0058]
Further, in step S35, the original image read by the scanner unit 1 can be stored in a desired image format in a device on the network. That is, in the operation screen S14 of FIG. 1, when “New import” is selected by a user touch panel operation or the like, the storage destination is selected as a desired device on the network as shown in the operation screen S15 of FIG. A file to which an original image is supplied and stored is designated from among the folders included in the file, and the user is prompted to input a file name as shown in the operation screen S16 (S39). The operation screen S23 in FIG. 5 details the operation screen S16 at this time. Here, the folder is not limited to a single folder, and it is also preferable to designate a plurality of folders from the tree-like display screen of the control panel.
[0059]
Next, the specifications for reading the original image by the scanner unit 2 are determined on the operation screen S17. As shown in the operation screen S24 in FIG. 6 which describes this in detail, the storage format, resolution, original type, original surface, etc. Image modes such as (single side / double side), auto color, full color, black, etc., density, etc. are set. Here, when the user presses the start button, the original image is captured by the scanner unit 2 according to the set specifications (S40). The captured image information is displayed on the screen as shown in the operation screen S18 and the detailed operation screen S25 in FIG.
[0060]
Thereafter, the captured image information is transferred to the device on the network selected in step S39 via the interface unit 122 or 123 and stored in the file in the designated folder (S41). . Furthermore, in order to notify that the transfer and storage of the image information has been completed, the device (image forming apparatus) on this network stores the address of the image forming apparatus that has transferred the image read by the scanner, It is also preferable to report the fact to the transfer source image forming apparatus by e-mail as soon as the storage is completed. It is preferable that at least the pre-scan data and the address of the storage folder are described in this e-mail.
[0061]
Note that the transfer destination here may be a device that can be accessed via the Internet, as in the case of acquiring image information at Step 36 to Step S38, and can also be accessed via the Internet. It may be a device arranged on a LAN (Local Area Network). In addition, a setting for automatically canceling the firewall provided in the LAN is performed in advance, and this is used to freely access from the control panel of the composite image forming apparatus. Is also suitable.
[0062]
(Display of multi-level networks)
Furthermore, the display function of the tree structure of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to one layer as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, etc., and other networks via a LAN having a plurality of layers or the Internet. As in the case of accessing the network etc., it corresponds to the display of networks of a plurality of layers. FIG. 11 shows an example of a display screen when a network of a plurality of hierarchies is displayed. In (a), there are a plurality of nodes 2a to 2d on the node 1a on the root directory, and a node 2d. There are nodes 3a and the like below, nodes 4a to 4d and the like below, and files 5a to 5c and the like below.
[0063]
Here, the node is a device having a communication function such as a firewall on the network, a network branch / relay device, a server, a composite image forming device, a personal computer, or the like. Further, when a node such as one device is selected as in the display example shown in (b), for example, only the reference hierarchy and the hierarchy above it are displayed, and the display of other hierarchy is displayed. By omitting, it is possible to obtain a sufficient space on the screen, and thus, for example, the internal information of the files 5a to 5c can be displayed. In addition, a method of displaying only the hierarchy being referred to, the hierarchy immediately above it, and the hierarchy immediately above it is also preferable.
[0064]
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, management information is collected from devices on a connected network, and the network is displayed in a tree shape on a control panel on the control panel together with a plurality of devices (or files). Accordingly, it is possible to provide a composite image forming apparatus and an image forming method that make it easy for the user to understand the network structure and can intuitively specify the acquisition destination and transfer destination of image information. .
[0065]
With the various embodiments described above, those skilled in the art can realize the present invention. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to come up with various modifications of these embodiments, and have the inventive ability. It is possible to apply to various embodiments at least. Therefore, the present invention covers a wide range consistent with the disclosed principle and novel features, and is not limited to the above-described embodiments.
[0066]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, based on the management information acquired from the devices on the connected network, the network is displayed on the operation screen on the control panel together with a plurality of devices on the operation screen. It is an object of the present invention to provide a composite image forming apparatus and an image forming method capable of facilitating understanding of a network structure and further intuitively specifying an acquisition destination and transfer destination of image information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display function of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display function of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an initial filing screen of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print setting preview pop-up screen of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a capture destination setting selection screen of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a capture destination setting pop-up screen of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a capture preview pop-up screen of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a digital color copying machine according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital color copying machine according to the image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of another display process of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
40 ... Control panel, 41 ... Panel CPU, 42 ... Liquid crystal display unit, 43 ... Print key, 122, 123 ... Interface, 124-1 to n ... External device.

Claims (4)

In an image forming apparatus that reads an original image with a scanner and forms an image on a recording medium based on the read image information.
A communication unit connected to a network and communicating with a plurality of devices on the network;
A display unit that displays an image according to image information ;
Collecting identification information and a plurality of file information of a plurality of devices on the network via the communication unit, and arranging the plurality of devices in a tree shape based on the collected identification information and a plurality of file information of the devices And display a screen for displaying the plurality of files on the display unit,
Specify one file to be printed from the plurality of files,
Displaying a screen showing an input means for setting printing conditions for the specified file on the display unit;
A processing unit that generates the image information to display a screen indicating a printing result according to a printing condition set from the input unit on the display unit, and supplies the image information to the display unit ;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A scanner unit for reading image information of the document;
The processing unit identifies one device from the display of the plurality of tree-shaped devices displayed by the display unit, and transfers the image information read from the scanner unit to a storage area of the identified device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus stores the image. An image processing method in an image forming apparatus,
Communicate with a plurality of devices on the network from the image forming apparatus, collect identification information and a plurality of file information of the plurality of devices on the network,
Based on the collected identification information of the plurality of devices and the plurality of file information, the plurality of devices are displayed in a tree shape and a screen for displaying the plurality of files is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus,
Specify one file to be printed from the plurality of files,
Displaying a screen showing an input means for setting printing conditions for the specified file on the display unit;
An image processing method, wherein the image information is generated and displayed on the display unit so as to display on the display unit a screen showing a printing result corresponding to a printing condition set from the input unit. Read image information of a document image using a scanner unit included in the image forming apparatus,
Identify one device from the plurality of tree-shaped devices displayed by the display unit,
4. The image processing method according to claim 3, wherein the read image information is transferred to the specified device and stored in a storage area of the device.

Images