JP5862283B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image processing apparatus capable of setting a time-out time for waiting for the next original to wait for an instruction to start reading the next original.

  Conventionally, it has been widely practiced to store all of a plurality of read originals and output them all at once. For example, FAX transmission that outputs the read image data collectively, sort copy that prints the copies for each number of copies, and the like can be given. In such a configuration, there is a case where there is a next original waiting state waiting for an instruction to read the next original.

JP 2004-260405 A

  Conventionally, when the timeout time is reached, the document waiting state is exited and the document that has been scanned is output, so the user must set the document within the timeout time and give an instruction to start scanning. It was inconvenient. Also, users of other jobs tend to have a longer waiting time because their jobs are not executed until the job being read ends or the timeout time elapses.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems. It increases the time until the user sets a document and starts reading, and reduces the waiting time of the user of another job. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of satisfying both requirements.

  In order to achieve this object, an image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document, a storage unit that stores data of the read image, and an execution detection that detects an execution instruction for another job. If the execution detection unit does not detect an execution instruction for another job when waiting for an instruction to start reading the next original and the next original, a first time-out time is set as a time-out time, and the execution detection is performed. When the means detects an execution instruction of another job, the setting means for setting a second timeout time shorter than the first timeout time as the timeout time, and when the timeout time set by the setting means has been reached, Image data stored in the storage means, or output means for performing output in accordance with another job detected by the execution detection means.

  According to the first aspect, the first timeout time or the second timeout time is set depending on whether or not an instruction to execute another job is detected while waiting for the next document, and the timeout time is reached. In this case, since the output is performed, it is expected that it takes a long time for the user of the job being read to set the original and start reading. In addition, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of users of other jobs.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising cancel detection means for detecting a cancel instruction for another job, and the setting means, when the cancel detection means detects a cancel instruction for another job, the cancel The second time-out period is set longer than before the detecting unit detects the cancel instruction for the other job.

  According to the second invention, when a cancel instruction for another job is detected, the second timeout period is set longer than before the cancel instruction is detected, so that the user of the job being read sets the document. Can be lengthened again.

  An image processing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention further comprises a receiving unit that receives a user instruction indicating whether or not there is a next original. When the first timeout period is set by the setting unit, the receiving unit When receiving an instruction that there is a next document, the setting unit sets a first time-out time longer than before the receiving unit receives an instruction as to whether or not there is a next document, and the receiving unit has no next document. When the instruction is received, the output means performs output.

  According to the third invention, when the first timeout period is set and the instruction for the presence of the next original is accepted, the first timeout period is made longer than before the instruction for whether or not the next original is present. Therefore, when an execution instruction for another job is not detected, the possibility that the job will be timed out immediately will be suppressed even though there is a next original in the job being read.

  An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a user instruction indicating whether or not there is a next original. When the second timeout period is set by the setting unit, the receiving unit When receiving an instruction that there is a next original, the setting means sets a second time-out time longer than before the receiving means accepts an instruction as to whether there is a next original, and the accepting means has no next original. When the instruction is received, the output means performs output.

  According to the fourth invention, when the second timeout time is set and the instruction for the presence of the next original is received, the second timeout time is set longer than before the instruction for whether or not the next original is present. Therefore, when an execution instruction for another job is detected, the possibility that the job will be timed out sooner even though there is a next original in the job being read is suppressed.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the setting unit has different lengths depending on information on the image data stored in the storage unit or information on other jobs detected by the execution detection unit. The second time-out period is set.

  According to the fifth aspect of the invention, since the second time-out time having a different length is set according to the image data information or other job information, the user of the job being read sets a document and starts reading. There is a high possibility that it is possible to achieve both the increase of the waiting time and the reduction of the waiting time of users of other jobs.

  An image processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the setting means sets a second timeout period having a different length depending on the number of other jobs detected by the execution detection means. .

  According to the sixth invention, since the second timeout period having a different length depending on the number of other jobs is set, there is a possibility that the waiting time of the user of other jobs can be reduced particularly when there are many other jobs. Rise.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus capable of achieving both a long time until a user sets a document and starts reading, and a reduction in the waiting time of the user of another job. Realized.

1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of an MFP according to an embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image reading unit of the MFP. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the continuous reading process in embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of next document instruction waiting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of a reading start waiting process. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of another job detection next original instruction waiting process. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of another job detection reading start waiting process. It is an example of a next original instruction waiting display. It is an example of a reading start waiting display.

  DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a multi-function peripheral (MFP) having a scan function, a print function, and a FAX transmission / reception function.

[MFP configuration]
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the MFP 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 10 (an example of an output unit) that prints an image on a sheet, and an image reading unit 20 (an example of a reading unit) that reads an image of a document. ing. The image forming method of the image forming unit 10 may be an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. Further, the image forming unit 10 may be capable of forming a color image and a monochrome image, or may be capable of forming only a monochrome image. Further, the image reading unit 20 may be capable of reading a color image and a monochrome image, or may be capable of reading only a monochrome image.

  The image reading unit 20 includes, on the front side, a display unit 41 formed of a liquid crystal display, a button group 42 including various buttons (for example, a start key 43, up / down / left / right keys, a determination key, and a numeric keypad). The provided operation panel 40 (an example of a receiving unit) is provided. In the MFP 100, the display unit 41 and the button group 42 allow an operation status to be displayed and input by the user.

[Configuration of Image Reading Unit]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 20 includes a scanner unit 21 that reads an image of a document (for example, the document 90 in FIG. 2), and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that automatically transports the document. ) 22.

  The scanner unit 21 includes transparent platen glasses 23 and 24 positioned on the upper surface thereof, and an image sensor 25 positioned inside thereof. The image sensor 25 is fixed under the platen glass 23 and reads an image of the document when the document is automatically conveyed by the ADF 22. Further, when the document is placed on the platen glass 24, the image sensor 25 moves in the sub-scanning direction (the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2) and reads the image of the document.

  The ADF 22 includes a document tray 221 for placing a document before reading and a discharge tray 222 for placing a document after reading. The ADF 22 takes out the originals placed on the original tray 221 one by one, and conveys the originals to a position facing the platen glass 23 via the conveyance path 223. Then, the image sensor 25 reads the image of the document line by line in the main scanning direction. Thereafter, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray 222.

[Electric configuration of MFP]
Next, an electrical configuration of MFP 100 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the MFP 100 includes a CPU 31 (an example of an execution detection unit, a cancellation detection unit, and a setting unit), a ROM 32, a RAM 33 (an example of a storage unit), and an NVRAM (Non Volatile RAM) 34. A control unit 30 is provided. The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the image forming unit 10, the image reading unit 20, the operation panel 40 (an example of a receiving unit), and the network interface 37.

  The ROM 32 stores firmware, which is a control program for controlling the MFP 100, various settings, initial values, and the like. The RAM 33 and the NVRAM 34 are used as work areas from which various control programs are read or as storage areas for temporarily storing the read image data.

  The CPU 31 controls each component of the MFP 100 while storing the processing result in the RAM 33 or the NVRAM 34 in accordance with a control program read from the ROM 32 and signals sent from various sensors.

  The network interface 37 is an interface that enables communication with other devices. The MFP 100 receives print data transmitted from another device via the network interface 37 and transmits the read image data to the other device.

[Control MFP]
Next, control of MFP 100 will be described. The MFP 100 has a continuous reading mode that sequentially stores image data of read originals and combines them into one job. In this continuous reading mode, for example, all scanned image data is stored, and the original image data, such as FAX transmission that transmits all at once or sort copy that is printed for each number of copies, is sequentially stored and combined into one job, It is suitable for the case of outputting after that.

  If the continuous reading mode is not set, the non-continuous reading mode is executed. The non-continuous reading mode is used for general reading, that is, when image data of a read original is sequentially stored and sequentially output as it is without being combined into one job.

[Continuous scanning]
[Embodiment]
Hereinafter, the continuous reading process according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  Execution of the continuous reading process of the embodiment is started by the CPU 31 when an instruction to execute the continuous reading mode is input through the operation of the operation panel 40.

  In FIG. 4, when pressing of the start key 43 is detected in S100 (S100: Yes), the image reading unit 20 reads an image of a document set by the user in S101 (an example of a reading unit). The document may be set on the ADF 20 or may be set on the platen glass 24.

  On the other hand, when the pressing of the start key 43 is not detected in S100 (S100: No), the CPU 31 returns to S100 again to detect the pressing of the start key 43.

  Then, the CPU 31 stores the image data of the document read in S101 in the RAM 33 in S102 (an example of a storage unit). Subsequently, the process proceeds to S103, and after performing the next document instruction waiting process described later, the continuous reading process is ended.

  The next original instruction waiting process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the next original instruction waiting process, first, in S200, the CPU 31 sets a first timeout time (an example of a setting unit). Here, for example, the first timeout time is set to 60 seconds, and the countdown is started.

  In S201, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable to display “Is there a next document?” On the display unit 41 and notify the user whether there is a next document. It is also desirable to display the remaining time until timeout. Thereby, the remaining time until the user times out can be known. Note that the display of the remaining time until timeout occurs is increased or decreased each time the timeout time is set, or is decreased every moment such as countdown.

  Next, in S202, the CPU 31 detects an execution instruction for another job (an example of an execution detection unit). If an execution instruction for another job is detected (S202: Yes), the process proceeds to S210, and after waiting for another job detection next original instruction to be described later, the next original instruction waiting process is terminated. If an execution instruction for another job is not detected (S202: No), the process proceeds to S203.

  Here, the other job includes, for example, FAX reception, interrupt copying, a print instruction from an external device such as a PC, and the like, and is a job different from the job being read. The execution instruction of these other jobs may be issued by the MFP 100 or may be issued by an external device such as a PC, but the execution instruction is detected by the CPU 31.

  In S203, for example, when Yes displayed on the display unit 41 is selected by the up / down / left / right keys and the enter key of the operation panel 40 and it is instructed that there is a next document (S203: Yes, an example of a reception unit), The CPU 31 sets the first time-out period to be longer than before receiving the user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next document. Then, the process proceeds to S <b> 211, and after performing a reading start waiting process described later, the next document instruction waiting process is ended.

  In S207, the first time-out time is set longer than before receiving the user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next original, thereby extending the time until time-out.

  That is, for example, it is assumed that the first time-out time is set to 60 seconds in S200, and the user's instruction is accepted that there is a next original when the remaining time is 20 seconds. In this case, for example, 90 seconds, which is longer than 60 seconds set in S200, is set as the first timeout time. In this case, since 40 seconds have already elapsed, the remaining time until timeout is 50 seconds.

  As described above, by increasing the set first timeout time in S207, it is possible to suppress the possibility of timeout even though there is a next original.

  On the other hand, if Yes is not selected (S203: No), the process proceeds to S204. In S204, when No displayed on the display unit 41 is selected by the up / down / left / right key and the enter key of the operation panel 40 and it is instructed that there is no next original (S204: Yes), the process proceeds to S206 to output a predetermined output. Then, the next document instruction waiting process is terminated.

  The predetermined output in S206 is, for example, fax transmission of image data stored in the RAM 33 in a job being read, output to an external device such as a PC, or the image forming unit 10 (an example of an output unit). And so on. These output forms are designated in advance by the user.

  On the other hand, when No is not selected (S204: No), the process proceeds to S205, and the CPU 31 determines whether or not the first timeout time set by the CPU 31 has been reached. If the first time-out period has been reached (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to S206 to perform a predetermined output, and the next original instruction waiting process is terminated.

  In S205, when the first timeout time has not been reached (S205: No), the CPU 31 proceeds to S202 again.

  Note that the order of S202 to S204 may be changed. S202 may be performed every time after S203 and after S204.

  Next, the reading start waiting process performed in S211 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In the reading start waiting process, it is desirable to first notify the user in S300 by displaying, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, “Set the document and press the start key”. It is also desirable to display the remaining time until timeout. Note that the display of the remaining time until timeout is changed in the same manner as in S201 of FIG.

  Next, in S301, the CPU 31 detects an execution instruction for another job. When an execution instruction for another job is detected (S301: Yes), the process proceeds to S310, and the CPU 31 sets a second timeout period that is shorter than the set first timeout period. Then, the process proceeds to S <b> 311, and after waiting for another job detection reading start process to be described later, the reading start waiting process ends.

  In S310, the time until timeout is shortened by setting a second timeout time that is shorter than the first timeout time.

  That is, for example, it is assumed that 60 seconds is set as the first timeout time and another job is detected when the remaining 30 seconds. In this case, 40 seconds shorter than 60 seconds are set as the second timeout time. In this case, since 30 seconds have already elapsed, the remaining time until timeout is 10 seconds.

  The second time-out time is set to a different length based on information on image data stored in the RAM 33 in the job being read or information on other jobs for which the CPU 31 has detected an execution instruction.

  For example, if the specified number of copies of a job being scanned or the number of scanned documents exceeds the threshold when an execution instruction for another job is detected, the second timeout period is set to the specified timeout period. If it is set to 3/4 and the threshold is not exceeded, the second timeout period may be set to ½ of the set timeout period.

  This can reduce the inconvenience of time-out even when the number of copies exceeding the threshold is specified in the job being read or the reading of the number of documents exceeding the threshold is completed.

  That is, before all the originals have been read, even though the original is set to be read and the start of reading is performed on the number of originals exceeding the threshold, or reading is set. If a timeout occurs, the previous work must be redone, which is very inconvenient for the user.

  Therefore, by setting the second timeout time according to the designated number of copies and the number of scanned documents, the possibility of these problems occurring can be reduced.

  Further, the second timeout period may be set depending on the number of other jobs that are instructed to be executed. In this case, for example, the second timeout period is set to 2/3 of the set timeout period whenever another job that is instructed to execute increases by one, and the second timeout period every time it decreases by one. May be set to 4/3 of the set timeout period.

  As a result, the second timeout time can be shortened as the number of other jobs instructed to be executed increases. Therefore, it is expected that the waiting time of the user of other jobs can be reduced especially when there are many other jobs.

  If the user can be authenticated, for example, the importance may be registered in advance for each user, and a second timeout period having a different length may be set depending on the importance. In this case, for example, if the user of the job being read is important, the second timeout period is set to 3/4 of the set timeout period, and if the user of another job is important, the second timeout period is set. The time may be set to ½ of the set timeout time.

  This reduces the possibility that the user of the job being read is timed out immediately, or the waiting time is not reduced despite the importance of the user of the other job. .

  Further, the second timeout period having a different length may be set by combining the designated number of copies of the job being read, the number of read documents, the number of other jobs, and the importance for each user.

  On the other hand, when an execution instruction for another job is not detected in S301 (S301: No), the process proceeds to S302, and pressing of the start key 43 is detected. If pressing of the start key 43 is detected (S302: Yes), the image reading unit 20 reads the image of the document in S305 and stores the image data in the RAM 33 in S306, as in S101 and S102 of FIG. To do. Thereafter, the CPU 31 proceeds to S312 and performs the next document instruction waiting process described above, and then ends the reading start waiting process.

  If pressing of the start key 43 is not detected in S302 (S302: No), the CPU 31 determines whether or not the first time-out time set by the CPU 31 has been reached in the subsequent S303. Note that the first timeout time set here reflects the process of S207 in FIG.

  When the set first timeout time is reached (S303: Yes), the predetermined output is performed in S304, and then the reading start waiting process is terminated. When the set first timeout time has not been reached (S303: No), the CPU 31 proceeds to S301 again.

  Next, another job detection next original instruction waiting process performed in S210 in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this process, first, in S400, the CPU 31 sets a second timeout time shorter than the set first timeout time. This is the same as S310 in FIG. However, the first timeout time set here is set in S200 of FIG.

  In subsequent S401, as shown in FIG. 9, it is desirable to notify the user of the remaining time until timeout and whether or not there is a next original. This is the same as S200 in FIG.

  In S402, the CPU 31 detects an execution instruction for a new other job. When an execution instruction for a new other job is detected (S402: Yes), the process returns to S400 again to set a second timeout time. As a result, the second timeout period is set every time an execution instruction for another job is detected. Therefore, the more other jobs, the shorter the second timeout period can be. The possibility of reducing time is increased.

  On the other hand, when a new other job is not detected (S402: No), the process proceeds to S403. In S403, for example, when Yes displayed on the display unit 41 is selected by the up / down / left / right key and the enter key of the operation panel 40 and it is instructed that there is a next document (S403: Yes), the CPU 31 performs the next operation. The second time-out time is set longer than before accepting the user's instruction whether or not there is a document (S408).

  In S <b> 408, the second timeout time is set longer than that before accepting the user's instruction as to whether or not the next document exists, thereby extending the time until timeout.

  That is, for example, when the second timeout time is set to 30 seconds and an instruction that there is a next original is received when the remaining 20 seconds, the second timeout time is set to 50 seconds longer than 30 seconds. To do. In this case, since 10 seconds have already passed, the remaining time until timeout is 40 seconds.

  Then, the process proceeds to S410, and after waiting for another job detection reading start process to be described later, the other job detection next original instruction waiting process is ended.

  On the other hand, if Yes is not selected in S403 (S403: No), the process proceeds to S404. In S404, for example, when No displayed on the display unit 41 is selected by the up / down / left / right keys and the enter key of the operation panel 40 and it is instructed that there is no next original (S404: Yes), the process proceeds to S407 and the predetermined number After outputting, the other job detection next original instruction waiting process is terminated.

  If No is not selected in S404 (S404: No), the process proceeds to S405, and the CPU 31 detects a cancel instruction for another job (an example of a cancel detection unit). Note that the processing order of S403 to S405 may be changed.

  If a cancel instruction for all other jobs for which an execution instruction has been detected has been detected (S405: Yes), the process proceeds to S411 and the next original instruction waiting process described above is performed again, and then the process ends.

  As a result, when all other jobs are canceled, the first timeout time is set in the subsequent next document instruction waiting process, that is, the second timeout time is lengthened so that the reading user can set the document. You can expect to take longer to do it again.

  Note that S405 may not be performed. In this case, if it is not instructed in S404 that there is no next original (S404: No), the process proceeds to S406. S411 following S405 is also not performed.

  If the cancel instruction for all other jobs is not detected (S405: No), it is determined whether or not the second timeout time set in S406 has been reached. If the set second timeout time has been reached (S406: Yes), the process is terminated after a predetermined output is made in S407.

  When the set second timeout time has not been reached (S406: No), the process proceeds to S402 again.

  Next, another job detection reading start waiting process performed in S311 in FIG. 6 and S410 in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process, it is desirable to first notify the user in S500 that the start key is pressed, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, and the remaining time until timeout. This is the same as S300 in FIG.

  In subsequent S501, the CPU 31 detects an instruction to execute a new other job. If an execution instruction for a new other job is detected (S501: Yes), the second timeout period is set again in S512, and the process proceeds to S500 again.

  When the execution instruction of the new other job is not detected (S501: No), the pressing of the start key 43 is detected in S502. If the pressing of the start key 43 is detected (S502: Yes), the image reading unit 20 reads the image of the document in S506, and the image data is stored in the RAM 33 in S507, as in S101 and S102 of FIG. Remember. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S510, where the other job detection next original instruction waiting process described above is performed, and then the other job detection reading start waiting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if pressing of the start key 43 is not detected (S502: No), the CPU 31 detects a cancel instruction for another job in S503. When an execution instruction is detected and an instruction to cancel all other jobs is detected (S503: Yes), the first time-out time is set again in S520, and the process proceeds to S511. After performing the reading start waiting process, the other job detection reading start waiting process is terminated.

  In S520, since the user is instructed that there is already a next document, the first timeout time set here is before accepting the user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next document. 5 is longer than the first timeout time set in S200. Or after setting the 1st timeout time like S200 of Drawing 5, you may make it long.

  As a result, if the user is instructed that there is a next document and all other jobs that have detected the execution instruction are canceled, the first timeout time longer than the second timeout time is set again. As a result, the possibility of time-out despite the presence of the next original can be reduced.

  On the other hand, if the cancel instruction for all other jobs is not detected (S503: No), it is determined whether the set second timeout time has been reached (S504). The set second timeout time reflects S310 or S408 reflecting the processing of S207.

  Note that S503 may not be performed. In this case, when pressing of the start key 43 is not detected in S502 (S502: No), the process proceeds to S504. Neither S520 nor S511 following S503 is performed.

  If the set second time-out time has been reached (S504: Yes), the process proceeds to S505 to perform a predetermined output, and then the other job detection reading start waiting process is terminated. If the set second timeout period has not been reached (S504: No), the process proceeds to S501 again.

  As described above, according to the above embodiment, the first time-out period is set when waiting for the next original to wait for the next original reading start instruction, and the execution instruction of another job is detected. A second time-out time shorter than the time-out time is set, and the continuous reading process is performed. As a result, it is expected that the time required for the user of the job being read to set the original and start reading can be increased. In addition, by setting a second timeout time shorter than the first timeout time, it is possible to reduce the waiting time of the user who has instructed execution of another job.

  In the above embodiment, the countdown is performed by changing the set time, for example, changing 60 seconds to 90 seconds as the timeout time. However, the countdown method is changed without changing the set time. May be. That is, the above embodiment can be implemented even by changing the countdown speed and changing the time until timeout.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first time-out period is set when no other job is detected in the next original waiting state waiting for the next original reading start instruction (S200 in FIG. 5 and S520 in FIG. 6). When the first time-out time is reached (S205: Yes in FIG. 5, S303: Yes in FIG. 6), a predetermined output is performed (S206, S304). However, timeout may not be made until an execution instruction for another job is detected. In this case, it is reset before the first timeout time is reached, so that the next original waiting state is maintained.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the remaining time until timeout and a message are displayed on the display panel 40 in S201 of FIG. 5, S300 of FIG. 6, S401 of FIG. 7, and S500 of FIG. ing. However, the notification method is not limited to display. The notification method is not limited to display. You may display on external devices, such as announcement and PC.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the execution instructions of other jobs are all canceled in S405 of FIG. 7 and S503 of FIG. However, when a plurality of other job execution instructions are detected, even if one other job cancel instruction is detected, the other job execution instructions still remain.

  In this case, the process proceeds from S405 in FIG. 7 to S400, and from S503 in FIG. 8 to S512 again, and the second timeout time is set. As a result, the number of other jobs is changed, that is, the second timeout time is lengthened, and it can be expected that the time for the user who is reading to set the document again is increased.

  In the above embodiment, the predetermined output is performed in S206 in FIG. 5, S304 in FIG. 6, S407 in FIG. 7, and S505 in FIG. In S206 of FIG. 5 and S304 of FIG. 6, the image data stored in the RAM 33 is output according to the job being read. However, S407 in FIG. 7 and S505 in FIG. 8 are not limited to the output according to the job being read, but may be the output according to another job for which the CPU 31 has detected the execution instruction. At this time, the job being read may be canceled or interrupted.

  However, if all other jobs have been canceled in S405 of FIG. 7 and S504 of FIG. 8, respectively, the output corresponding to the job being read is not performed, and the output corresponding to the job being read is not performed. Do.

  When the job being read is interrupted and output according to another job is performed, the information of the job being read is stored in the RAM 33, and after the output according to the other job, the stored information is stored. It is desirable to resume using it. In this case, for example, image data, layout information, user information, and the like of the read document are stored, and when output of other jobs is completed, the job is resumed from the point where the job was interrupted using the information.

  The information of the job being read may be stored in the RAM 33, other jobs that can be executed in the remaining usable RAM 33 may be executed, and other jobs that cannot be executed in the remaining RAM 33 may not be executed.

  In the above embodiment, the user's instruction whether or not there is a next original is accepted, and when the user's instruction that there is a next original is accepted, the first timeout period or the second timeout period is set longer. (S207, S408) may not accept the user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next original.

  A case where the user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next original is not accepted will be described as to differences from the above embodiment. If the user's instruction whether or not there is a next original is not accepted, the next original instruction waiting process and the other job detection next original instruction waiting process are not performed in the above embodiment.

  First, after S102 in FIG. 4, a reading start waiting process is performed. In the reading start waiting process in this case, the CPU 31 sets the first time-out period in the same manner as in S200 in FIG. 5 before notifying the user in S300 in FIG. Further, after the image data is stored in the RAM 33 in S306, the process of S312 is not performed, the first timeout time is set again similarly to S200, the process proceeds to S300, and the same process is repeated thereafter.

  Next, in the other job detection reading start waiting process, after the image data is stored in the RAM 33 in S507 of FIG. 8, the process of S510 is not performed, the process proceeds to S512 again, and thereafter the same process is repeated.

  As for the points not described here, the same processing as in the above embodiment is performed. As a result, when the execution detection unit does not detect an execution instruction for another job while waiting for the next original reading start instruction, the first timeout period is set as the timeout period. When the execution instruction is detected, a second timeout period shorter than the first timeout period is set as the timeout period.

  For this reason, it can be expected that a long time is required until the user sets a document and starts reading, and the waiting time of the user of another job is reduced.

  In addition, this embodiment is only a mere illustration and does not limit this invention at all. Therefore, the present invention can be variously improved and modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, the present invention is not limited to the MFP, and can be applied to any apparatus having an image reading function such as a copying machine.

  In the above-described embodiment, one CPU 31 performs all the continuous reading processes including the next original instruction waiting process. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of CPUs and a dedicated circuit ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) are used. Etc. may be executed. For example, the next original instruction waiting process, the reading start waiting process, the other job detection next original instruction waiting process, and the other job detection reading start waiting process during the continuous reading process may be executed by different CPUs. Also, separate CPUs may be used to set a timeout time, detect an execution instruction for another job, detect a cancel instruction for another job, and determine whether the timeout time has been reached.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image formation part 20 Image reading part 31 CPU
33 RAM
34 NVRAM
40 Operation Panel 43 Start Key 90 Original 91 Paper 100 MFP

Claims (7)

Reading means for reading an image of a document;
Storage means for storing the read image data;
Execution detection means for detecting execution instructions of other jobs;
If the execution detection unit does not detect another job execution instruction while waiting for the next original reading start instruction, the storage unit stores a time-out time after the storage of the image data . Setting one timeout period, and when the execution detection unit detects an execution instruction of another job, a setting unit that sets a second timeout period shorter than the first timeout period as the timeout period;
An output unit that performs output in accordance with image data stored in the storage unit or another job detected by the execution detection unit when the timeout time set by the setting unit is reached ;
Cancel detection means for detecting a cancel instruction of another job;
With
The setting means, when the cancel detection means detects a cancel instruction for another job, sets a second timeout period longer than before the cancel detection means detects a cancel instruction for another job. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.
A receiving means for receiving a user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next manuscript;
When the first timeout time is set by the setting means,
When the accepting means accepts an instruction that there is a next original, the setting means sets the first time-out time longer than before the accepting means accepts an instruction as to whether or not there is a next original,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving unit receives an instruction that there is no next original, the output unit performs output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
A receiving means for receiving a user's instruction as to whether or not there is a next manuscript;
When the second timeout time is set by the setting means,
When the accepting means accepts an instruction that there is a next original, the setting means sets a second timeout time longer than before the accepting means accepts an instruction as to whether or not there is a next original,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving unit receives an instruction that there is no next original, the output unit performs output. Reading means for reading an image of a document;
Storage means for storing the read image data;
Execution detection means for detecting execution instructions of other jobs;
If the execution detection unit does not detect another job execution instruction while waiting for the next original reading start instruction, the storage unit stores a time-out time after the storage of the image data. Setting one timeout period, and when the execution detection unit detects an execution instruction of another job, a setting unit that sets a second timeout period shorter than the first timeout period as the timeout period;
An output unit that performs output in accordance with image data stored in the storage unit or another job detected by the execution detection unit when the timeout time set by the setting unit is reached;
Accepting means for accepting a user's instruction whether or not there is a next original;
With
When the accepting unit accepts an instruction that there is a next document, the setting unit determines whether the accepting unit has the next document or the first timeout time or the second timeout time set by the setting unit. Set longer than before accepting the instruction,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the receiving unit receives an instruction that there is no next original, the output unit performs output. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4.
It has cancel detection means for detecting cancel instructions for other jobs,
The setting means, when the cancel detection means detects a cancel instruction for another job, sets a second timeout period longer than before the cancel detection means detects a cancel instruction for another job. An image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The setting unit sets a second timeout period having a different length according to information on image data stored in the storage unit or information on other jobs detected by the execution detection unit. Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the setting unit sets a second timeout period having a different length depending on the number of other jobs detected by the execution detection unit.

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