JP4745800B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input apparatus for inputting an image and an image forming apparatus including an image output means for outputting an image.

  Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus provided with an image input means for inputting an image and an image output means for outputting an image, the input data is processed and output as a basic operation. Image processing and input / output control are performed via a buffer memory.

  However, the capacity of this buffer memory is important in order to efficiently bring out the performance of the installed input / output means. In fact, there are many examples where the function and performance of the entire system are restricted by the capacity of this buffer memory. .

  This may be for the purpose of facilitating product lineup development.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide the best functions and performance in terms of the component configuration by simply installing the memory capacity that satisfies the performance of the input / output means, but the increase in memory capacity simply leads to an increase in cost. Needless to say.

Further, it has been conventionally devised to use a large-capacity external storage device such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk as an image buffer (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-308861

  In addition, while the evolution of optical disks has not declined, the evolution of semiconductor memory devices such as flash memories has been remarkable.

  These devices can be hot-docked with a device through an I / F such as a USB, and can be said to be characterized by a removable property and a mobile property due to miniaturization.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that uses this removable medium and improves the function and performance of the system and facilitates the development of new functions without increasing the memory capacity mounted on the main body. .

The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including an image input unit for inputting an image and an image output unit for outputting an image. When print data is received from an external device, the print data is converted into printable image data. Printer function control means for realizing a printer function for converting and recording and outputting an image using the image output means, removable media control means for accessing data to a removable removable medium, and print data from the external device Print data control means for checking whether or not print data stored in the removable medium exists, and as a result of checking by the print data control means, the print data stored in the removable medium is received. If there does not exist, the said print data received from the external device remover It is obtained so as to store in the removable medium by Le media control unit.

Also, when storing the print data received from the external device to the removable medium, the print data, in which so as to save after converting the into printable image data by the printer function control means.

An image forming apparatus having an image input means for inputting an image and an image output means for outputting an image is connected to a line and performs facsimile communication with a partner terminal according to a predetermined facsimile communication procedure. Facsimile function control means for realizing a facsimile function, removable media control means for accessing data to removable removable media, and facsimile transmission stored in the removable medium when the facsimile function control means performs facsimile transmission operation Facsimile transmission data control means for checking whether or not data exists, and facsimile reception data for checking whether or not facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium exists when the facsimile function control means performs a facsimile reception operation. And when the accumulated facsimile transmission data does not exist in the removable medium, the facsimile transmission data to be transmitted is stored in the removable medium by the removable media control means. If the stored facsimile reception data does not exist in the removable media as a result of checking by the facsimile reception data control means, the received facsimile reception data is stored in the removable media by the removal media control means . Is.

In addition, the facsimile transmission data stored in the removable medium is converted into the image data input by the image input means so that it can be transmitted by facsimile communication. As a result of the examination by the facsimile transmission data control means, When the stored facsimile transmission data does not exist in the removable medium, the facsimile transmission data to be transmitted is stored in the removable medium by the removable media control means, and facsimile transmission is performed based on the facsimile transmission data. .

Further, when transmitting the facsimile transmission data stored in the removable medium or printing the facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium , a predetermined value is added to the facsimile transmission data and the facsimile reception data prior to the transmission or printing. A mark is added.

Further, when the facsimile transmission data and the facsimile reception data are stored in the removable medium, a predetermined mark is added to the facsimile transmission data and the facsimile reception data before the transmission or printing. .

  Therefore, according to the present invention, the cost performance of the apparatus function can be increased by using a removable medium at the time of printer data reception printing by a device that evolves and evolves in a different dimension from the apparatus. obtain. In addition, since data that has not been touched by the user can be extracted outside the apparatus, there is an advantage that a new function can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. This image forming apparatus has a printer function, a copier function, and a facsimile communication function. It also has a so-called direct print function.

  In the figure, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 is for executing a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2 is for various control processes executed by the CPU 1. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 3 is used to store a program and parameters necessary for executing the program. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 3 stores program data executed by the CPU 1 and image data obtained by reading with a scanner. The RAM control unit 4 controls data access to the RAM 3, and the NVRAM (nonvolatile RAM) 5 stores various parameters necessary for the operation of the image forming apparatus. It is for memorization.

  The scanner engine 6 is for reading a document image with a predetermined resolution and color separation, the scanner control unit 7 is for controlling the operation of the scanner engine 6, and the image reading unit 8 is a scanner. The read image data output from the engine 6 is converted into image data of a predetermined format, and the image processing unit 9 performs various image processing (magnification processing, gamma conversion processing, resolution conversion processing, image data format conversion processing). (PDL → image data), etc.).

  The printer engine 10 is for recording and outputting a printed matter with a predetermined resolution and color reproducibility, and employs a laser printer method, an LED printer method, an ink jet printer method, or the like. The printer control unit 11 is for controlling the operation of the printer engine 10, and the image writing unit 12 is for sending write image data to the printer engine 10.

  The network control device 13 is for connecting the image forming apparatus to the analog public network PSTN, and the facsimile control unit 14 performs a predetermined facsimile communication procedure with a partner terminal via the analog public network PSTN. It is for exchanging image information. The facsimile control unit 14 also performs resolution conversion processing for converting resolution between image data and facsimile image information, encoding processing for converting image data into facsimile image information, and decoding for converting facsimile image information into original image data. It also has functions such as image processing necessary for facsimile communication, various signal processing, data modem processing, and the like.

  The media interface unit 15 is, for example, a so-called semiconductor memory device such as CF (Compact Flash; registered trademark), SD card (registered trademark), MMC (multimedia card; registered trademark), Memory Stick (registered trademark), and USB memory. Alternatively, the removable medium 16 such as an optical disk storage medium such as a CD or a DVD is attached and detached, and data access to the removable medium 16 is performed. This is for controlling the access operation.

  The operation display unit 18 includes various operation means (such as keys) and display means (such as a liquid crystal display and various lamps) necessary for the user to operate the image forming apparatus. Is for controlling the data input / output operation of the operation display unit 18.

  The external host interface control unit 20 is connected to an external host device via, for example, IEEE-1394, USB, or a network, and communicates with the host device to exchange various data. It is. Further, a direct print function is also realized by using the external interface control unit 20.

  These CPU 1, ROM 2, RAM control unit 4, NVRAM 5, scanner control unit 7, image processing unit 9, printer control unit 11, image writing unit 12, facsimile control unit 14, media control unit 17, operation display control unit 19, The external host interface control unit 20 is connected to an internal bus 21, and data exchange between these elements is mainly performed via the internal bus 21.

  2A and 2B show an example of printer data printing operation in this image forming apparatus.

  In this case, the external host I / F control unit 20 receives print data from the external host device, and the print data is stored in the removable medium 16 by the media control unit 17 (see FIG. 5A).

  Further, the print data stored in the removable medium 16 is read by the media control unit 17 and sent to the image processing unit 9. The image processing unit 9 converts the input print data into image data that can be recorded and output by the printer engine 10 and transfers the image data to the printer engine 10 via the image writing unit 12.

  As a result, the printer engine 10 performs a printing operation for printing the transferred image data under the control of the printer control unit 11 (see FIG. 4B).

  Accordingly, in this case, since the print data is stored in the removable medium 16, the removable medium 16 can be detached from the apparatus at that time, and can be used in another apparatus having a removable medium access function.

  If the removable medium 16 is not removed, the image data stored in the removable medium 16 can be printed by the own terminal.

  3A and 3B show another example of printer data printing operation in this image forming apparatus.

  In this case, the external host I / F control unit 20 receives print data from the external host device, and the print data is sent to the image processing unit 9. The image processing unit 9 converts the input print data into image data that can be recorded and output by the printer engine 10 and sends the image data to the media control unit 17.

  As a result, the image data is stored in the removable medium 16 by the media control unit 17 (see (a) in the figure).

The image data stored in the removable medium 16 is read by the media control unit 17 and transferred to the printer engine 10 through the image writing unit 12.

  As a result, the printer engine 10 performs a printing operation for printing the transferred image data under the control of the printer control unit 11 (see FIG. 4B).

FIG. 4 shows an example of processing performed when print data is received from an external host device.

When print data is received, it is checked whether print data already stored in the removable medium 16 exists (decision 101). When the result of determination 101 is NO, print data is received (process 102), the print data is stored in the removable medium 16 (process 103), and is printed (process 104).

Further, when the print data received, when the already stored print data to the removable medium 16 is present, the result of step 101 is YES, the process proceeds to process 104, printing of the print data stored in the removable medium 16 An operation is performed (process 104).

Accordingly, even in power-off, it is possible to re-print the print data by the print data stored in the nonvolatile removable media.

  FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a facsimile reception operation.

  In this case, the facsimile image information received via the network control device 13 is transferred to the media control unit 17 via the facsimile control unit 14, and is stored in the removable medium 16 by the media control unit 17.

  Further, the facsimile image information stored in the removable medium 16 is read by the media control unit 17 and transferred to the facsimile control unit 14. The facsimile control unit 14 converts the transferred facsimile image information into the original image data, and then transfers it to the image processing unit 9.

  The image processing unit 9 converts the transferred image data into image data that can be recorded by the printer engine 10, and transfers the converted image data to the printer engine 10 via the image writing unit 12.

  As a result, the printer engine 10 performs a printing operation for printing the transferred image data under the control of the printer control unit 11 (see FIG. 4B).

  Therefore, in this case, since the facsimile image information is stored in the removable medium 16, the removable medium 16 can be detached from the apparatus at that time, and can be used in another apparatus having a removable medium access function.

  If the removable medium 16 is not removed, the image of the facsimile image information stored in the removable medium 16 can be printed by the own terminal.

  6A and 6B show another example of facsimile reception operation.

  In this case, the facsimile image information received via the network control device 13 is converted into the original image data by the facsimile control unit 14 and then transferred to the image processing unit 9.

  The image processing unit 9 converts the transferred image data into image data that can be recorded by the printer engine 10, and the converted image data is transferred to the media control unit 17, and is transferred to the removable medium 16 by the media control unit 17. Saved.

  The printable image data stored in the removable medium 16 is read by the media control unit 17 and transferred to the printer engine 10 via the image writing unit 12.

  As a result, the printer engine 10 performs a printing operation for printing the transferred image data under the control of the printer control unit 11 (see FIG. 4B).

  The difference here is that a removable medium is used as a buffer memory for facsimile images.

  FIGS. 7A and 7B show an example of a facsimile transmission operation.

  Data read by the scanner engine 6 is converted into image data via the image reading unit 8, reconverted into predetermined image data by the image processing unit 9, and then sent to the facsimile control unit 14.

  The facsimile control unit 14 converts the transferred image data into predetermined facsimile image information, and the converted facsimile image information is transferred to the media control unit 17 and stored in the removable medium 16 by the media control unit 17. .

  Further, the facsimile image information stored in the removable medium 16 is read by the media control unit 17 and transferred to the facsimile control unit 14. The facsimile control unit 14 transmits the transferred facsimile image information to the partner terminal via the network control device 13.

  Therefore, in this case, since the facsimile image information is stored in the removable medium 16, the removable medium 16 can be detached from the apparatus at that time, and can be used in another apparatus having a removable medium access function.

  If the removable medium 16 is not removed, the facsimile image information stored in the removable medium 16 can be transmitted from the own terminal.

  The difference here is that the removable media 16 is used as a buffer memory for facsimile image information.

  FIGS. 8A and 8B show another example of the facsimile transmission operation.

  The data read by the scanner engine 6 is converted into image data via the image reading unit 8, re-converted to predetermined image data by the image processing unit 9, and then transferred to the media control unit 17 for media control. The data is stored in the removable medium 16 by the unit 17.

  The image data stored in the removable medium 16 is read by the media control unit 17 and transferred to the facsimile control unit 14. The facsimile control unit 14 converts the transferred image data into predetermined facsimile image information, and the converted facsimile image information is transmitted to the counterpart terminal via the network control device 13.

  FIG. 9 shows an example of processing during facsimile transmission.

  At the time of facsimile transmission, it is checked whether there is facsimile transmission data already stored in the removable medium 16 (decision 201). If there is no facsimile transmission data on the removable medium and the result of determination 201 is NO, the original is read (process 202), the facsimile transmission data is stored in the removable medium 16 (process 203), and the facsimile transmission (process 204). To do.

  On the other hand, when there is facsimile transmission data already stored in the removable medium 16 at the time of facsimile transmission and the result of the determination 201 is YES, the process proceeds to processing 204 and the facsimile transmission data stored in the removable medium 16 is stored. Send.

  As a result, it is possible to retransmit the facsimile transmission by the facsimile transmission data stored in the non-volatile removable medium 16 according to the determination of the determination 201 when the power is turned on again after the power is turned off before the data is transmitted outside the apparatus. is there.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of processing at the time of facsimile reception.

  At the time of facsimile reception, it is checked whether there is facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium 16 (decision 301). If there is no facsimile reception data on the removable medium 16 and the result of determination 301 is NO, facsimile reception is performed (process 302), the facsimile reception data is stored in the removable medium 16 (process 303), and printing (process 304) is performed. )

  On the other hand, when there is facsimile reception data already stored in the removable medium 16 at the time of facsimile reception, if the result of determination 301 is YES, the process proceeds to processing 304, and the facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium 16 is stored. Print.

  As a result, even if the power is turned on again after the power is turned off before printing the data, the facsimile received data can be reprinted with the facsimile received data stored in the non-volatile removable medium 16 according to the judgment of judgment 301.

  FIG. 11 shows an example of processing during facsimile transmission / reception.

  At the time of facsimile transmission, it is checked whether there is facsimile transmission data stored in the removable medium 16 (decision 401). When there is no facsimile transmission data on the removable medium and the result of determination 401 is NO, the original is read (process 402), transmitted by facsimile (process 403), and the facsimile transmission data is stored in the removable medium 16 (process 404). ).

  On the other hand, if facsimile transmission data already stored in the removable medium 16 is present during facsimile transmission, and if the result of determination 401 is YES, a predetermined mark is written in the stored image data (processing 405). Transmit (process 406).

  Further, at the time of facsimile reception, it is checked whether there is facsimile reception data already stored in the removable medium 16 (decision 407). If there is no facsimile reception data in the removable medium 16 and the result of the determination 407 is NO, the facsimile reception is performed (process 408), the facsimile reception data is printed (process 409), and the facsimile reception data is then transferred to the removable medium 16. (Processing 410).

  On the other hand, when there is facsimile reception data already stored in the removable medium 16 at the time of facsimile reception and the result of the determination 407 is YES, a predetermined mark is written in the facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium 16 ( Processing 411) and printing (processing 412).

  FIG. 12 shows another example of processing at the time of facsimile transmission / reception.

  At the time of facsimile transmission, it is checked whether there is facsimile transmission data already stored in the removable medium 16 (decision 501). If there is no facsimile transmission data on the removable medium and the result of determination 501 is NO, the original is read (process 502), a predetermined mark is written on the image data (process 503), and the facsimile transmission data is then transferred to the removable medium. 16 (process 504) and facsimile transmission (process 505).

  On the other hand, if facsimile transmission data already stored in the removable medium 16 is present during facsimile transmission, and if the result of the determination 401 is YES, the process proceeds to processing 505, and the marked facsimile transmission stored in the removable medium 16 is performed. Send data.

  Further, at the time of facsimile reception, it is checked whether there is facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium 16 (decision 506). When there is no facsimile reception data on the removable medium 16 and the result of the determination 506 is NO, facsimile reception is performed (process 507), a predetermined mark is written in the facsimile reception data (process 508), and the facsimile reception data is removed. In addition to accumulating in the medium 16 (process 509), the facsimile reception data is printed (process 510).

  On the other hand, when there is facsimile reception data already stored in the removable medium 16 at the time of facsimile reception, if the result of the determination 506 is YES, the marked facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium 16 is printed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the cost performance of the apparatus function can be increased by using the removable medium 16 at the time of receiving and printing the printer data by a device that evolves and evolves in a different dimension from the apparatus. . Further, since data that the user has never touched before can be taken out of the apparatus, there is a possibility that a new function can be provided.

  In particular, when the removable medium 16 is non-volatile, data can be reprinted because the data remains on the removable medium even when the power of the device is shut off during printing when receiving the printer data.

  Furthermore, when the image data stored in the removable medium 16 is not processed into image data specific to the printer engine, it can be taken out as data that is easier for the user to retrieve.

  Further, even when the power of the device is cut off during printing at the time of facsimile reception, the image data remains on the removable medium, so that reprinting is possible by turning on the power again. Many of the currently commercialized facsimile memories are very effective because the data is volatilized with a time limit.

  Furthermore, since the image data stored in the removable medium 16 is not processed into an image specific to the printer engine, it can be taken out as data that is easier for the user to retrieve.

  Further, by using removable media at the time of facsimile transmission, the cost performance of the apparatus function can be increased by a device that evolves and evolves in a different dimension from the apparatus. Further, since data that the user has never touched before can be taken out of the apparatus, there is a possibility that a new function can be provided.

  In particular, when the removable medium is non-volatile, data remains in the removable medium even when the power of the device is cut off during facsimile transmission, so that retransmission can be performed by turning on the power again.

  On the other hand, the removable media 16 can easily take out data, and conversely, security concerns arise. Therefore, by directly marking the taken-out facsimile transmission / reception data (image data), it becomes possible to trace the handling of illegal data. In addition, if data is printed or transmitted from removable media, marking all marks makes it possible to trace the handling of illegal data.

1 is a block diagram showing an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of printer data printing operation in the image forming apparatus. 9 is a flowchart illustrating another example of printer data printing operation in the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed when print data (print data) is received from an external host device. The flowchart which showed an example of the facsimile reception operation | movement. The flowchart which showed the other example of the facsimile reception operation | movement. The flowchart which showed an example of facsimile transmission operation | movement. The flowchart which showed the other example of the facsimile transmission operation | movement. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of facsimile transmission. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of facsimile reception. The flowchart which showed an example of the process at the time of facsimile transmission / reception. The flowchart which showed the other example of the process at the time of facsimile transmission / reception.

Explanation of symbols

1 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
2 ROM (Read Only Memory)
3 RAM
5 NVRAM

Claims (6)

In an image forming apparatus provided with an image input means for inputting an image and an image output means for outputting an image,
Printer function control means for realizing a printer function for converting the print data into printable image data and recording and outputting an image using the image output means upon receiving print data from an external device;
Removable media control means for accessing data to removable removable media ;
Print data control means for checking whether print data stored in the removable medium exists when print data is received from the external device;
As a result of checking by the print data control means, if the accumulated print data does not exist in the removable medium, the print data received from the external device is stored in the removable medium by the removable media control means. An image forming apparatus. When storing print data received from the external device to the removable medium, the print data, according to claim 1, wherein the storing after converting the into printable image data by the printer function control means Image forming apparatus. In an image forming apparatus provided with an image input means for inputting an image and an image output means for outputting an image,
A facsimile function control means for realizing a facsimile function of connecting to a line and performing facsimile communication with a partner terminal according to a predetermined facsimile communication procedure;
Removable media control means for accessing data to removable removable media ;
A facsimile transmission data control means for checking whether or not facsimile transmission data already stored in the removable medium exists when the facsimile function control means performs a facsimile transmission operation;
A facsimile reception data control means for checking whether or not the facsimile reception data stored in the removable medium exists when the facsimile function control means performs a facsimile reception operation;
As a result of checking by the facsimile transmission data control means, if the stored facsimile transmission data does not exist in the removable media, the facsimile transmission data to be transmitted is stored in the removable media by the removal media control means,
As a result of checking by the facsimile reception data control means, when the stored facsimile reception data does not exist in the removable media, the received facsimile reception data is stored in the removable media by the removal media control means. An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3.
The facsimile transmission data stored in the removable medium is obtained by converting the image data input by the image input means so that it can be transmitted by facsimile communication.
If the stored facsimile transmission data does not exist in the removable media as a result of checking by the facsimile transmission data control means, the facsimile transmission data to be transmitted is stored in the removable media by the removal media control means and the facsimile transmission data 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein facsimile transmission is performed on the basis of the above. When transmitting facsimile transmission data stored on the removable medium or printing facsimile reception data stored on the removable medium , a predetermined mark is placed on the facsimile transmission data and the facsimile reception data prior to the transmission or printing. the image forming apparatus of claim 3 or 4, wherein the adding. Wherein when storing facsimile transmission data and facsimile reception data to removable media, the image forming apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein adding a predetermined mark to the data to be its storage.

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