JP4131275B2 - Image processing system and image reading apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image reading apparatus including a scanner device (image reading device), a printer device (image output device), and a personal computer (information processing device).

In general, as shown in FIG. 8, a scanner device 1 and a printer device 2 are connected to PCs (personal computers) 3, 4, 5,. For example, an image processing system is known that performs a copy process by sending the image data to the printer apparatus 2 via the PC 3, for example. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, an image reading unit 10a, an image forming unit 10b, a control unit 10c, a multifunction machine 10 having a network I / F 10d, and PCs 3, 4, 5,. For example, an image processing for transferring a document image read by the image reading unit 10a of the multifunction device 10 to the PC 3 or sending data to be printed from the PC 3 to the multifunction device 10 for printing by the image forming unit 10b. A system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2002-278736 A

  In the image processing system in which the above-described conventional scanner device 1 and printer device 2 are connected to the PCs 3, 4, 5,... Via the LAN 6, the image reading data cannot be transmitted directly from the scanner device to the printer device during the copying process. There is a problem that it is necessary to transmit via the PC, and it is troublesome to use the PC.

  Therefore, a system in which the scanner device, the printer device, and the PC are all connected to the repeater hub can be considered. However, since the repeater hub is used, there is a problem that the load on the network increases during copy processing.

  Further, in the system shown in Patent Document 1, since the control unit 10c and the network I / F 10d are common for the scanner function and the print function, the configuration of the control unit becomes complicated, and the image reading unit or the image There is a problem that the formation part cannot be easily changed. Further, as another system, the printer device 2 shown in FIG. 8 may be connected to the LAN 6 via the scanner device 1. However, since the data is exchanged between the PC and the printer device, the control by the scanner is complicated. There is a problem of becoming.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and does not need to go through a PC at the time of copy processing, does not increase the load on the network, and further simplifies the configuration of the control unit. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system and an image reading apparatus capable of easily changing a scanner or a printer.

The image processing system according to the present invention has an image output device port and an information processing device port, and is capable of sending image information obtained by reading a document image to the image output device port or the information processing device port. When,
An image output device (printer) connected to the image output device port of the scanner device and outputting image information obtained by the scanner device or image information input from the information processing device in a visible (recording or display) manner;
Connected to the information processing device port of the scanner device via a network, and can input image information from the scanner device via the network, and output an image via the network and the image output device port of the scanner device. An information processing device (PC) capable of outputting image information to the device;
Are image processing systems connected to a network so that data can be exchanged using a common protocol,
The scanner device includes:
When data is input to the image output device port, when it is determined that the destination information of the data is the scanner device itself, the data is taken into the scanner device. To the information processing device port,
If data port for the information processing apparatus is input, when the destination information of the data is determined to be a scanner device itself, when the data fetching to the scanner device, determines that than itself, the data Control means for sending the image to the image output device port ,
The control means includes means for storing destination information that permits or does not permit scanning and / or image output. When a scanning instruction and / or image output instruction is input from the information processing apparatus port, It includes a means for analyzing the original address and comparing it with the stored destination information to determine whether or not to permit the instruction .

The image reading apparatus according to the present invention is connected to a network so that data can be exchanged with a common protocol with an image output apparatus (printer) and an information processing apparatus (PC). An image reading apparatus capable of communicating via
An image output device port for connecting the image output device that outputs image information input from the information processing device or image information obtained by the image reading section visually (recorded or displayed);
For information processing apparatus for connecting the information processing apparatus capable of inputting image information from the image reading apparatus and capable of outputting image information to the image output apparatus via the network and the image output apparatus port Port,
When data is input to the image output device port, when it is determined that the destination information of the data is the image reading device itself, the data is taken into the image reading device and it is determined that it is other than itself Sends the data to the information processing device port,
When data is input to the information processing device port, when it is determined that the destination information of the data is the image reading device itself, the data is taken into the image reading device and it is determined that it is other than itself Comprises a control means for sending the data to the image output device port ,
The control means includes means for storing destination information that permits or does not permit scanning and / or image output. When a scanning instruction and / or image output instruction is input from the information processing apparatus port, It includes a means for analyzing the original address and comparing it with the stored destination information to determine whether or not to permit the instruction .

In the image processing system and the image reading apparatus according to the present invention, the control unit outputs data to the information processing device port, and data corresponding to a reception confirmation response from the information processing device within the predetermined time is used for the information processing device. A means for switching between a transmission signal line and a reception signal line in the information processing device port portion can be included based on whether or not the signal is input to the port.

According to the present invention, since the scanner device (image reading device) is provided with a switching hub function, it is not necessary to use a PC for copy processing without using a switching hub or the like. Does not increase. Furthermore, the connection between the printer and the PC can be easily switched, the configuration of the control unit can be simplified, and the scanner or printer can be easily changed.
Also, unlike a normal switching hub, it does not have a table indicating the correspondence between destination information and ports, but only determines whether the destination information is a scanner or not. In this case, since the destination information is not recognized, it is not necessary to store the address of the device connected to the PC port, and the configuration and control are simplified.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to embodiments. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image processing system according to this embodiment includes a scanner device 1 that reads a document image, a printer device 2, and PCs 3 and 4. The scanner apparatus 1 includes a printer port 7-1 and a PC connection (LAN) port 7-2. The printer device 2 is connected to the printer port 7-1 of the scanner device 1. The PC 3 (information processing apparatus) is connected to the PC port 7-2 of the scanner apparatus 1 via the LAN 6. The PC port 7-2 of the scanner device 1 is connected to the input / output port 8 a of the hub 8. PCs 3 and 4 are also connected to other input / output ports 8 a of the hub 8 to constitute a LAN 6. The scanner device 1 stores destination information (MAC address) corresponding only to the printer port 7-1, and the other port 7-2 does not store corresponding destination information (MAC address). The printer apparatus 2 and the PCs 3 and 4 are assigned address information (MAC address) indicating each.

  In this embodiment of the image processing system, a network (LAN) is configured by a common protocol between the scanner device 1 and the printer device 2, between the scanner device 1 and the hub 8, and between the hub 8 and the PCs 3 and 4. The printer device 2 is directly connected only to the scanner device 1 and is not directly connected to the hub 8 and the PCs 3 and 4. For this reason, the printer device 2 does not require a port for connecting the PC 3, 4 or the hub 8, and the number of ports of the hub 8 can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the scanner device 1 includes an image reading unit 11, an operation unit 12, a display unit 13, an MPU 14, a ROM 15, a RAM 16, and a network I / F 17. As will be described later in detail, the image reading unit 11 reads a color original image and takes it as image data. The operation unit 12 includes a copy key, a numeric keypad, and other operation keys, and inputs various commands. The display unit 13 displays an operation procedure, various messages, and data. The MPU 14 executes various control processing operations for image reading in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 15. The ROM 15 stores a program for the MPU 14. The RAM 16 stores temporary buffer data and image data for image reading. The network I / F 17 has ports 7-1 and 7-2, through which commands and data are exchanged with other network devices.

  In FIG. 1, the scanner device 1 is provided with one printer dedicated port 7-1. However, a plurality of printer ports 7-1 are provided, and a plurality of printer devices are directly connected to the scanner device 1. You can also.

  The scanner device 1 converts an electrical signal (analog signal) input to each of the ports 7-1 and 7-2 into a digital signal, analyzes the destination information, takes the data into the inside, or sets a predetermined output port. Select and control whether to output as an electrical signal. As described above, the scanner apparatus 1 analyzes the destination of the data from the PCs 3 and 4 but does not analyze the request contents. For example, when performing network printing, the scanner apparatus 1 responds to the printer status information request from the PC. There is no need to send back the status information held by.

  Also, the scanner device 1 transmits data requesting the printer device 2 to transmit status information periodically or when a predetermined operation (copy start instruction) is performed. That is, the status of the printer apparatus 2 is monitored. Status information is information indicating the state of a developer (toner or the like) and / or recording paper.

  The data input from the ports 7-1 and 7-2 of the scanner device 1 includes source address information and destination address information. When data is input to the port of the scanner device 1, the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 is executed. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing processing when data is input to the printer port 7-1. When the routine of FIG. 3 is entered, it is determined in step ST1 whether or not data has been input to the printer port 7-1. When data is input to the printer port 7-1, the process proceeds to step ST2. In step ST2, the header of the input packet data is analyzed to determine whether or not the destination information is a scanner, that is, itself. If it is itself, the process proceeds to step ST3. On the other hand, when it is not itself, it transfers to step ST4. In step ST3, the data is taken into the scanner device 1 and is not sent to the PC port 7-2. In step ST4, the data is sent to the PC port 7-2 and is not taken into the scanner device 1.

  Here, the ports 7-1 and 7-2 of the scanner apparatus 1 do not have a table indicating the correspondence between the destination information and the port as in a normal switching hub, but whether the destination information is a scanner. It is only determined whether it is other than that. In the case of destination information other than the scanner, it does not recognize which device the destination information is. By doing in this way, it is not necessary to memorize | store the address of the apparatus connected to PC port, and a structure and control become easy.

  4 and 5 are flowcharts showing processing when data is inputted to the PC port 7-2. When the routine shown in FIG. 4 is entered, it is determined in step ST11 whether or not data has been input to the PC port 7-2. When the input of data to the PC port 7-2 is determined, the process proceeds to step ST12, and the input data is temporarily stored in the buffer memory of the RAM 16.

  Next, the process proceeds to step ST13. In step ST13, it is determined whether or not the destination information included in the data is itself. In the case of yourself, the process proceeds to step ST14. On the other hand, when it is not itself, it transfers to step ST15. In step ST14, the data is taken into the scanner device 1.

  In step ST15, it is determined whether the address of the printer connected to the port is stored. If the address of the connected printer is stored, the process proceeds to step ST16. On the other hand, if the address of the connected printer is not stored, the process proceeds to step ST22 (FIG. 5).

  In step ST16, it is determined whether the destination information is the printer device 2. If the destination information is the printer device 2, the process proceeds to step ST17, and the data is output to the printer port 7-1. Next, the process proceeds to step ST18, and it is determined whether or not a collision of the printer apparatus 2 data is detected. If a data collision is detected, the process returns to step ST17. On the other hand, if no data collision is detected, the process proceeds to step ST19. In step ST19, it is determined whether or not communication has been correctly performed. When the communication is normally performed, the process proceeds to step ST21, and the data stored in the buffer memory is discarded. If communication is not correctly performed, the process proceeds to step ST20. In step ST20, “not stored” is stored in a memory that stores whether or not the address (destination information) of the printer apparatus 2 is stored.

  In step ST22, data is output to the printer port 7-1. Then, the process proceeds to step ST23. In step ST23, it is determined whether or not a data collision is detected. If a data collision is detected, the process returns to step ST22. On the other hand, if there is no data collision, the process proceeds to step ST24. In step ST24, it is determined whether or not communication has been correctly performed. If communication is successful, the process proceeds to step ST25. In step ST25, “stored” is stored in a memory that stores whether or not the destination information is stored. On the other hand, if communication cannot be performed correctly, the process ends.

Further, the scanner device 1 may further include a memory for storing destination information that permits scanning and / or printing, or destination information that is not permitted, and executes the processing shown in FIG. Here, in step ST31, it is determined whether a scan instruction or a print instruction is input from the PC port 7-2. If either a scan instruction or a print instruction is input, the process proceeds to step ST32. In step ST32, the source address included in the header of the input data is analyzed. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step ST33. In step ST33, it is determined whether or not the source address is the permitted destination information stored. If it is permitted destination information, the process proceeds to step ST34. On the other hand, when it is not permitted destination information, it transfers to step ST35. In step ST34, the input instruction is permitted. In step ST35, the input instruction is not permitted.

  As another embodiment, the scanner device 1 may be provided with a port connection switching function of the PC port 7-2. Processing when this function is provided will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When this processing routine is entered, data is output to the PC port 7-2 in step ST41. Next, the process proceeds to step ST42. In step ST42, it is determined whether or not a data collision is detected. When there is no data collision, the process proceeds to step ST43. In step ST43, it is determined whether or not communication has been correctly performed. If communication is successful, the process proceeds to step ST42. On the other hand, if communication cannot be performed correctly, the process proceeds to step ST44. In step ST44, the connection state of the port portion is switched. The switching of the connection state of the port portion is, for example, switching between a transmission signal line and a reception signal line. In this case, a cross cable is used when a hub is connected to the PC port 7-2 (when a plurality of PCs are connected) and when a PC is connected (when one PC is connected). There is no need to use a straight cable.

  In the image processing system of the above embodiment, data transmission / reception among the scanner device 1, the printer device 2, and the PC 3 is all performed by packet exchange. Since the scanner device 1 once accumulates all the packet data and then outputs it to the destination, no problem occurs even if the communication speeds between the ports differ. That is, transfer can be performed without being restricted by the communication speed of each port (the speed between the scanner apparatus 1 and the printer apparatus 2, the speed between the scanner apparatus 1 and the PC 3).

  In the above embodiment, the destination information may be information indicating a scanner device or a printer device other than the MAC address.

  In addition, when a plurality of ports for connecting the printer device 2 to the scanner device 1 are provided, some ports are for color, the remaining ports are for monochrome, the color port is a color printer device, and the monochrome port is a monochrome port. A printer device can be connected. In that case, as the destination information, the attributes of the printer device (for color or monochrome) are stored corresponding to each port, the attributes described in the data received from the PC are analyzed, and the output destination port is selected. can do.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a scanner of the image processing system. FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating one process example of the scanner of the image processing system of the embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the other process example of the scanner. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining still another processing example of the scanner together with FIG. 4. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining still another processing example of the scanner. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining still another processing example of the scanner. It is a block diagram which shows the general structure of the conventional image processing system. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the other conventional image processing system.

Explanation of symbols

1 Scanner device 2 Printer device 3, 4 PC
6 LAN
7-1 Printer port 7-2 PC port 8 Hub 11 Image reading unit 12 Operation unit 13 Display unit 14 MPU
15 ROM
16 RAM
17 Network I / F

Claims (4)

A scanner device having an image output device port and an information processing device port, and capable of sending image information obtained by reading a document image to the image output device port or the information processing device port;
An image output device that is connected to an image output device port of the scanner device and that visually outputs image information obtained by the scanner device or image information input from an information processing device;
Connected to the information processing device port of the scanner device via a network, and can input image information from the scanner device via the network, and output an image via the network and the image output device port of the scanner device. An information processing apparatus capable of outputting image information to the apparatus;
Are image processing systems connected to a network so that data can be exchanged using a common protocol,
The scanner device includes:
When data is input to the image output device port, when it is determined that the destination information of the data is the scanner device itself, the data is taken into the scanner device. To the information processing device port,
If data port for the information processing apparatus is input, when the destination information of the data is determined to be a scanner device itself, when the data fetching to the scanner device, determines that than itself, the data Control means for sending the image to the image output device port ,
The control means includes means for storing destination information that permits or does not permit scanning and / or image output. When a scanning instruction and / or image output instruction is input from the information processing apparatus port, An image processing system comprising: means for analyzing an original address and comparing with stored destination information to determine whether or not to permit the instruction . The control means outputs data to the information processing device port, and based on whether or not data corresponding to the reception confirmation response is input from the information processing device to the information processing device port within a predetermined time. 2. The image processing system according to claim 1, further comprising means for switching a signal line for transmission and a signal line for reception in the device port portion. An image reading apparatus connected to a network so that data can be exchanged with a common protocol with an image output apparatus and an information processing apparatus, and capable of communicating image information obtained by reading an original image with an image reading unit via the network,
An image output device port for connecting the image output device that visually outputs image information input from the information processing device or image information obtained by the image reading unit;
For information processing apparatus for connecting the information processing apparatus capable of inputting image information from the image reading apparatus and capable of outputting image information to the image output apparatus via the network and the image output apparatus port Port,
When data is input to the image output device port, when it is determined that the destination information of the data is the image reading device itself, the data is taken into the image reading device and it is determined that it is other than itself Sends the data to the information processing device port,
When data is input to the information processing device port, when it is determined that the destination information of the data is the image reading device itself, the data is taken into the image reading device and it is determined that it is other than itself Comprises a control means for sending the data to the image output device port ,
The control means includes means for storing destination information that permits or does not permit scanning and / or image output. When a scanning instruction and / or image output instruction is input from the information processing apparatus port, An image reading apparatus comprising: means for analyzing an original address and comparing with stored destination information to determine whether or not to permit the instruction . The control means outputs data to the information processing device port, and based on whether or not data corresponding to the reception confirmation response is input from the information processing device to the information processing device port within a predetermined time. 4. The image reading apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising means for switching between a transmission signal line and a reception signal line in the apparatus port portion.

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