JP2004110848A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem in a conventional device that transmitting image data are often outputted in a format different from a format desired by a transmitter user because the transmitter user cannot instruct the output format of the data in a destination, and the destination user is troubled with the conversion to the desired format. <P>SOLUTION: In a digital copying machine 1 of a transmitter, the processing ability and present state of an image processor 2 of the destination connected thereto through a network are recognized when transmitting image data to the processor 2, and an operation instruction screen according to the recognized processing ability of the destination image processor 2 is displayed on the operation panel of the digital copying machine 1 so that the transmitter user can instruct the output format of the image data to the destination image processor. In the image processor 2 of the destination, the image data are outputted in the output format designated by the transmitter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to an image transmission system that transmits image data from an image processing apparatus to another image processing apparatus via a network, an image transmission apparatus that is an image processing apparatus of a transmission source used in the image transmission system, and reception. It relates to the original image processing apparatus.

From a facsimile (hereinafter referred to as "fax") device connected on the network, or an image processing device (image transmitting device) such as a digital copier (digital multifunction peripheral) with a fax function or a printer function, or a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC") 2. Description of the Related Art In an image transmission system that transmits image data to an image processing apparatus (image receiving apparatus) such as another digital copying machine or a printer and outputs an image, conventionally, a transmission source performs image processing on image data. Is transmitted to the other party, and the other party only reproduces the image based on the transmitted image data.

For example, when outputting from a personal computer to a printer, the only thing that can be instructed to the printer from the personal computer is the number of output sheets. Some recent network printers have post-processing functions such as sorting and stapling functions, and it has become possible to instruct the printer to perform post-processing from the personal computer side. Or within a closed network environment, such as within a department.

Further, in the fax machine, not only post-processing at the other party but also instruction of the number of output sheets cannot be performed at the transmission source.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-311283 (released November 14, 1994)

In other words, in the above-described conventional image transmission system, the image processing capability of the transmission source image processing device can be used, but the image processing capability of the destination image processing device or the post-processing capability if the device has a post-processing function is transmitted. Not available with original instructions.

Therefore, in a very open network environment, for example, when transmitting image data from a fax machine, even if the other party has a digital MFP, the image data is transmitted and the required number of copies are output, To perform post-processing such as sorting and stapling and complete the image data as a document at the other party, first, send the image data to the other party, and after the transmission is completed, send the image data to the other party, It is necessary to convey the contents of work such as post-processing to be performed on the data, and let the other user execute the data again on the image processing apparatus. In this case, the post-processing desired by the transmission source user is borne by the destination user.

In order to reduce the burden on the user at the other end, conventionally, an image processing apparatus has been developed which enables setting of the number of output sheets, staples, sorting, and the like for transmitted image data. This is a general setting at the other end, and it is extremely difficult to change the setting for each transmission or reflect the intention of the transmission source user in the setting.

In addition, in the above-described conventional image transmission system, the image processing apparatus at the transmission source cannot recognize the state of the image processing apparatus at the destination.

Therefore, even if some trouble occurs in the destination image processing apparatus and the image data cannot be output, the image processing apparatus during the trouble occurrence cannot be recognized by the transmission source image processing apparatus. The data is transmitted to the device, and as a result, the transmission is completed, but the information is not transmitted to the user because the data is not output at the destination.

In order to avoid such a situation, the user of the destination who noticed the trouble of the image processing apparatus by using the sound of the display panel or the buzzer must notify the source that the trouble has occurred. It is a very time-consuming task for the destination user who knows the information to notify all the sources that may send image data of the occurrence of the trouble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to perform image processing from a source image processing apparatus (image transmitting apparatus) to a destination image processing apparatus (image receiving apparatus) or to perform subsequent image processing. Enables the operation instruction of the output form such as processing, and draws out the capabilities of the image processing device at both the source and destination, so that the output material in the form desired by the source user can be output without imposing a burden on the destination user. To provide an image transmission system, an image transmission apparatus and an image reception apparatus that can reliably output a desired image to a destination without a transmission error or the like.

An image processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an operation panel in an image processing apparatus that transmits image data to a destination image processing apparatus via a network, in order to solve the above-described problem. A display unit for displaying the current state of the processing device; recognizing the processing capability and the current state of the destination image processing device via a network; and displaying the recognized processing capability and the current state of the destination image processing device. The operation procedure is substantially the same as that of the destination image processing apparatus on the operation panel, and the setting for the destination image processing apparatus is performed according to the operation procedure.

In addition, in the image processing device according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, the display unit may be a touch panel.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, an external view of the destination image processing apparatus may be displayed on the display unit.

The image transmission system according to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, in an image transmission system that transmits and outputs image data from a transmission source image processing apparatus to a destination image processing apparatus via a network, When transmitting image data, the transmission source image processing device recognizes, via a network, the processing capability of the destination image processing device that transmits the image data, and performs an operation instruction according to the recognized processing capability of the destination image processing device. A screen is displayed, and an operation instruction of an output form of image data to be transmitted to a destination image processing apparatus is enabled. In the destination image processing apparatus, image data is output in an output form instructed by the transmission source image processing apparatus. May be output.

According to this, the transmission source image processing device recognizes the processing capability of the destination image processing device, displays an operation instruction screen corresponding to the processing capability of the destination, and uses this screen to output the transmission image. Can be indicated.

Therefore, the final output form at the destination can be determined by the transmission source rather than the conventional image transmission that has been unilaterally output without grasping the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus, and an efficient image The transmission is realized, and the output of the output format desired by the transmission source can be provided to the destination at the instruction of the transmission source without bothering the partner.

When a special process such as a scaling process or a multi-shot is instructed by an operation instruction using the operation instruction screen, the image processing may be performed by the transmission source image processing device or performed by the destination. Either one may be used, but if it is preferable to perform the transmission before the transmission from the viewpoint of the amount of data to be transmitted, the transmission is performed at the transmission source. Conversely, when the same image data is instructed to be transmitted to a plurality of locations and the image processing is different at each destination, data indicating the content of the image processing is added to the destination image processing apparatus. , The transmission speed can be increased.

The instruction to use the post-processing device in the destination image processing device, of course, adds data designating the post-processing content to the image data and transmits the data together with the image data to the destination image processing device.

By using such an image transmission system, for example, when a report created on the go is output from an in-house network printer, it is difficult for the sender to understand the environment under which the image is transmitted. This is effective in the future, for example, when instructing the device to output.

In the image transmission system according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the source image processing device recognizes the current state of the destination image processing device together with the processing capability of the destination image processing device, and displays the recognized current status. It may be reflected on the operation instruction screen.

Even when the output mode is instructed according to the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus, for example, if the destination image processing apparatus has a problem such as running out of toner, running out of specified paper, or jamming, the source May not be output in the output format specified by.

For example, since the destination image processing apparatus is compatible with color, even if the color mode is designated, there is a possibility that the image is converted into the monochrome mode and output when the toner for forming the color image is out. Further, when the paper runs out, the paper is output after being scaled to another size of paper, or in the case of a jam, the image data is transmitted but the other party does not output the image.

Therefore, as described above, by reflecting the current situation of the destination image processing apparatus on the operation instruction screen of the transmission source image processing apparatus, for example, if a trouble occurs in the destination image processing apparatus, An operation instruction according to the trouble can be given at the transmission source.

For example, if the printer supports color, but the toner for the color image runs out and the printer can handle only in monochrome mode, the sender can know in advance that the data of the color original is output in monochrome mode, The transmission source can decide whether to output in the mode or cancel the transmission, and the image data is not provided to the destination in an unexpected state of the transmission source.

In the image transmission system according to the present invention, in the above configuration, in a case where a plurality of destinations transmit image data, the transmission source image processing apparatus recognizes and recognizes the processing capability of each of the plurality of destination image processing apparatuses. An operation instruction screen may be displayed for each destination image processing apparatus to enable an operation instruction of an output form of image data to each destination image processing apparatus.

With this, an operation instruction is given to a plurality of destinations by using an operation instruction screen displaying the processing capability of each image processing device for each destination image processing device, and transmitted to each destination. It is possible to specify a desired output form.

Further, according to this, since an operation instruction screen corresponding to each processing capability is displayed for each of the plurality of destination image processing apparatuses, processing of image data transmitted by the transmission source from among the plurality of destinations can be performed. It is also possible to select a partner having an image processing device suitable for the user. For example, when transmitting presentation image data including color data to a plurality of destinations, a destination having an image processing device capable of processing color data and a destination having an image processing device capable of processing only monochrome data Thus, the present invention is effective in the future, such as making appropriate transmission settings for each of them, and selecting and transmitting only a destination having an image processing apparatus capable of processing color image data.

An image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention is an image transmitting apparatus that transmits image data to a partner image processing apparatus via a network in order to solve the above-described problem. Recognition means for recognizing a situation via a network, and an operation instruction for an output form of image data to be transmitted to the other image processing apparatus according to the processing capability of the other image processing apparatus recognized by the recognition means and the current situation An operation instruction screen display unit that displays an operation instruction screen that enables an operation instruction screen, and creates instruction information of output processing based on an output form of image data in the destination image processing apparatus instructed using the operation instruction screen, The image processing apparatus may further include a transmission unit that performs image processing on the image data as necessary and transmits the image data to the destination image processing apparatus together with the instruction information.

According to this, the recognizing means recognizes the processing capability and the current situation of the partner image processing apparatus, and based on the recognition result, the operation instruction screen display means performs an operation for enabling an operation instruction to the partner image processing apparatus. Display the instruction screen. On the operation instruction screen, information such as a usable paper size, presence / absence of a post-processing device, presence / absence of occurrence of a jam, and current setting status of the destination image processing device is presented.

Then, using the operation instruction screen, the transmission source user instructs the destination image processing apparatus on the output form of the desired image data while confirming the processing capability and status of the destination image processing apparatus. .

The transmission means creates instruction information for output processing based on the instruction content of the output form to the destination image processing apparatus designated on the operation instruction screen, and transmits the created instruction information together with the image data.

(4) The destination image processing apparatus outputs image data based on the transmitted instruction information.

Thus, by using such an image transmitting apparatus, it is possible to provide an output in a desired output form of the transmission source without bothering the partner.

In the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the recognizing unit recognizes, via a network, the processing capabilities and the current status of the plurality of destination image processing apparatuses that transmit the image data, and displays an operation instruction screen. The means is an operation instruction screen for enabling an operation instruction of an output form of image data to be transmitted to each destination image processing apparatus according to the processing capability of each destination image processing apparatus recognized by the recognition means and the current situation. Are respectively displayed, and the transmission unit creates instruction information of the output processing based on the output form of the image data in each destination image processing apparatus instructed using the operation instruction screen for each destination image processing apparatus, If necessary, the image data may be subjected to image processing and transmitted together with the instruction information to a predetermined destination image processing apparatus.

According to this, the recognizing means recognizes the processing capability and the current situation of each of the plurality of destination image processing apparatuses, and based on the recognition result, the operation instruction screen display means issues an operation instruction to each destination image processing apparatus. Each of the operation instruction screens to be enabled is displayed. On the operation instruction screen, information such as a usable paper size, presence / absence of a post-processing device, presence / absence of occurrence of a jam, and current setting status of each destination image processing device is presented.

The user of the transmission source uses this operation instruction screen to check the processing capability and status of each of the destination image processing apparatuses with respect to each of the destination image processing apparatuses, and output the desired image data. Instruct.

(4) The transmission unit creates instruction information for output processing based on the instruction content of the output form for each destination image processing apparatus designated on the operation instruction screen, and transmits the created instruction information together with the image data.

(4) The destination image processing apparatus outputs image data based on the transmitted instruction information.

Thus, by using such an image transmission device, it is possible to output a desired output form of a transmission source to a plurality of destinations in a desired form for each destination without bothering the destination. Can be provided.

An image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention is an image transmitting apparatus for transmitting image data to a partner image processing apparatus via a network, in order to solve the above-described problem. An image transmitting apparatus for transmitting image data, a recognizing means for recognizing processing capabilities and a current situation of a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses via a network, an instructing means for instructing an output mode of the image data, Means for selecting a destination image processing apparatus capable of outputting in the output form instructed by the instruction means from a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses recognized by the means; The transmission means may transmit the image data together with the instruction information for instructing the output form to the selected destination image processing apparatus.

According to this, the recognizing means recognizes the processing capabilities and situations of a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses capable of transmitting image data, and uses the instructing means to change the output form of the image data desired by the operation source user. When specified, the destination selection unit selects a destination image processing apparatus capable of outputting the image data desired by the user based on the recognition result by the recognition unit, and the transmission unit transmits the image data to the destination. I do.

Therefore, since only the device that can process the output form of the image data desired by the transmission source is determined as the destination, the data can be transmitted to the destination and output in the mode desired by the user of the transmission source. .

In order to solve the above-described problems, an image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention includes an image transmitting apparatus that transmits image data to a partner image processing apparatus via a network. Recognition means for recognizing the current situation via a network, and a destination selection apparatus for selecting a destination image processing apparatus capable of processing image data to be transmitted from a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses recognized by the recognition means. Means and transmission means for transmitting image data to the destination image processing apparatus selected by the destination selection means.

According to this, the recognizing means recognizes the processing capabilities and situations of a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses capable of transmitting image data, and the destination selecting means sets the image data transmitted from the transmission source image processing apparatus. Is selected based on the recognition result by the recognizing means, and the transmitting means transmits the image data to the other party.

Therefore, since the device that can process the image data output from the transmission source image processing device is determined, it is necessary to transmit the data to the destination and output the data in a form that the transmission source user does not want. Can be prevented.

For example, when a user wants to transmit color image data, the color image is converted to monochrome by not determining the destination from among the image processing devices that cannot process the color image data in the source image processing device. Can be prevented from being transmitted.

In the image transmission device according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when transmitting the image data, the transmission unit transmits the image data by a transmission method suitable for the capacity of the image processing memory in the destination image processing device recognized by the recognition unit. Data may be transmitted.

Depending on the destination image processing apparatus, there may be a case where only a small capacity memory is provided as an image processing memory, or a case where the free capacity is small during image processing although the capacity is large. According to the method described above, the number of transmissions is determined in advance according to the capacity (empty capacity), and the transmission is performed separately, so that the transmission can be performed faster than the configuration in which the transmission is interrupted every time the capacity is exceeded during the transmission. it can.

In the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when the transmitting unit transmits the image data together with the instruction information, the transmitting unit receives the operation instruction based on the operation instruction using the operation instruction screen. If the image processing for realizing the above is possible at both the transmission source and the destination, the image processing may be performed on the side where the amount of data to be transmitted is reduced.

According to the above configuration, for example, when a color original is output in the monochrome mode, the transmission unit converts the color data into monochrome data having less data at the transmission source and transmits the converted data, so that the transmission destination converts the color data into monochrome data. The time required for transmission is shorter than in the configuration in which the transmission is performed.

An image receiving apparatus according to the present invention has an image receiving apparatus for receiving image data transmitted from another image processing apparatus via a network and outputting the image, A notifying unit for notifying the processing capability and the current status via a network in response to a request from the processing device, and performing output processing based on instruction information indicating an output mode of image data transmitted together with the image data; May be.

According to this, the notifying means notifies the transmission source image processing apparatus of the processing capability and the current status, so that the transmission source image processing device recognizes the processing capability and the current status of the destination image processing device. it can. Then, the output processing is performed based on the instruction information transmitted together with the image data, so that the output is in the output form specified by the transmission source.

As described above, in the image transmission system according to the present invention, when transmitting the image data, the transmission source image processing apparatus recognizes, via a network, the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus that transmits the image data. An operation instruction screen corresponding to the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus is displayed to enable an operation instruction of an output form of image data to be transmitted to the destination image processing apparatus. In this configuration, image data is output in an output form instructed by the device.

As a result, the final output form at the destination can be determined by the transmission source, which is more efficient than the conventional image transmission that has been unilaterally output without grasping the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus, and is more efficient. Image transmission is realized, and an effect is provided that an output in a desired output form can be provided to a destination by an instruction from the source without bothering the destination.

By using such an image transmission system, for example, when a report created on the go is output from an in-house network printer, it is difficult for the sender to understand the environment under which the sender is located. This is effective in the future, for example, when instructing the image processing apparatus to output.

In the image transmission system according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the source image processing device recognizes the current state of the destination image processing device together with the processing capability of the destination image processing device, and displays the recognized current status. This is a configuration in which the information is reflected on the operation instruction screen.

Thereby, in addition to the effect of the above configuration, even if there is a trouble or the like in the destination image processing apparatus, the image data is not provided to the destination in an unexpected state of the transmission source, and it is further ensured. This is advantageous in that an output in the output format desired by the transmission source can be provided to the destination.

In the image transmission system according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the transmission source image processing apparatus recognizes the processing capability of each of a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses that transmit image data, and performs processing for each of the recognized destination image processing apparatuses. And an operation instruction screen for displaying an image data output form to each of the partner image processing apparatuses.

Thereby, in addition to the effect of the above-described configuration, an operation instruction is given to a plurality of destinations using the operation instruction screen displaying the processing capability of each image processing apparatus for each destination image processing apparatus. This has the effect that a desired output form can be instructed at the transmission source for each destination.

Then, by using such an image transmission system, an operation instruction screen corresponding to each processing capability is displayed for each of the plurality of destination image processing apparatuses, so that the transmission source transmits from among the plurality of destinations. It is also possible to select a partner having an image processing device suitable for processing image data. For example, when transmitting presentation image data including color data to a plurality of destinations, a destination having an image processing device capable of processing color data and a destination having an image processing device capable of processing only monochrome data Thus, the present invention is effective in the future, for example, it is possible to make appropriate transmission settings for each, and to select and transmit only an image processing apparatus that can process color image data.

As described above, the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention includes, as described above, a recognition unit that recognizes the processing capability and the current situation of the destination image processing apparatus via a network, and a destination image processing apparatus that is recognized by the recognition unit. Using an operation instruction screen display unit that displays an operation instruction screen that enables an operation instruction of an output form of image data to be transmitted to the partner image processing apparatus according to the processing capability and the current situation, and using the operation instruction screen The instruction information of the output processing is created based on the output form of the image data in the instructed destination image processing apparatus, and the image data is subjected to image processing as necessary, and the instruction information is sent to the destination image processing apparatus together with the instruction information. And a transmitting means for transmitting.

This realizes the image transmission system of the invention described above, in which the transmission source instructs the destination image processing apparatus in the output form within its processing capability, and outputs the output in the output form desired by the transmission source. This has the effect that it can be provided without bothering the user.

In the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, the recognizing unit recognizes, via a network, processing capabilities and a current situation of a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses that transmit image data, and performs the operation instruction. The screen display means is an operation that enables an operation instruction of an output form of image data to be transmitted to each destination image processing apparatus according to the processing capability and the current situation of each destination image processing apparatus recognized by the recognition section. Displaying the instruction screens, and the transmitting means creates the instruction information of the output processing based on the output form of the image data in each of the destination image processing apparatuses designated by using the operation instruction screen of each destination image processing apparatus In addition, the image data is subjected to image processing as required, and transmitted to a predetermined destination image processing apparatus together with instruction information.

Thereby, the image transmission system of the above-described invention is realized, and the transmission source instructs a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses in the output form within their respective processing capacities, and outputs the output form desired by the transmission source. There is an effect that an object can be provided at each partner without bothering the partner.

As described above, the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, in an image transmitting apparatus that transmits image data to a partner image processing apparatus via a network, determines the processing capability and the current state of a plurality of partner image processing apparatuses. Recognition means for recognizing via a network, instructing means for instructing an output mode of image data, and a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses recognized by the recognizing means, instructed by the instructing means. A destination selection means for selecting a destination image processing apparatus capable of outputting in an output mode; and image data together with instruction information for instructing an output mode for the destination image processing apparatus selected by the destination selection means. And a transmission means for transmitting the data.

As a result, the image data is transmitted only to the device capable of processing the output format of the image data desired by the transmission source, so that the data can be transmitted to the destination and output in the format desired by the user of the transmission source. This has the effect that it can be performed.

As described above, the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention includes, as described above, a recognizing means for recognizing the processing capabilities and current status of a plurality of destination image processing apparatuses via a network, and a plurality of destinations recognized by the recognizing means. A destination selection unit that selects a destination image processing device capable of processing image data to be transmitted from the image processing devices, and transmits the image data to the destination image processing device selected by the destination selection unit. This is a configuration including transmission means for transmitting.

As a result, a device capable of processing the image data generated from the device used by the transmission source is determined, so that the data is transmitted to the destination and output in a form not desired by the user of the transmission source. This has the effect that it can be prevented.

In the image transmission device according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when transmitting the image data, the transmission unit transmits the image data by a transmission method suitable for the capacity of the image processing memory in the destination image processing device recognized by the recognition unit. This is a configuration for transmitting data.

Depending on the destination image processing device, for example, there may be a case where only a small memory is provided as an image processing memory, or a case where the capacity is large but the free space is small during image processing. In addition, there is an effect that transmission can be performed faster than in a configuration in which transmission of image data is interrupted every time the data exceeds.

In the image transmitting apparatus according to the present invention, in the above-described configuration, when the transmitting unit transmits the image data together with the instruction information, the transmitting unit receives the operation instruction based on the operation instruction using the operation instruction screen. If image processing for realizing is possible at both the transmission source and the destination, the image processing is performed on the side where the amount of data to be transmitted is reduced.

(4) Since the process is left to reduce the amount of transmission data, the time required for transmission is shortened.

As described above, the image receiving apparatus according to the present invention is an image receiving apparatus that receives image data transmitted from another image processing apparatus via a network and outputs an image, It has a notifying means for notifying a processing capability and a current situation via a network in response to a request, and performs a process of outputting based on instruction information indicating an output form of image data transmitted together with image data.

This makes it possible to realize the image transmission system of the invention described above, and by providing this image receiving device, it is possible to receive the output of the output form desired by the transmission source without any modification and without any trouble. .

The following will describe one embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12.

As shown in FIG. 2, the digital copying machine 1, which is an image processing apparatus serving as an image transmitting apparatus and an image receiving apparatus for realizing the image transmitting system of the present invention, includes a scanner unit 31 and a laser recording unit 32. I have.

The scanner unit 31 includes a document table 35 made of transparent glass, a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 36 for automatically feeding and conveying the document onto the document table 35, and a document table 35. An original image reading unit for scanning and reading an image of the scanned original, that is, a scanner unit 40.

The document image read by the scanner unit 31 is sent to an image data input unit described later as image data, and predetermined image processing is performed on the image data.

The RADF 36 is a device in which a plurality of documents are set on a predetermined document tray at one time, and the set documents are automatically fed one by one onto the document table 35 of the scanner unit 31. The RADF 36 includes a transport path for a one-sided document, a transport path for a two-sided document, a transport path switching unit, and the like so that the scanner unit 40 reads one or both sides of the document according to an operator's selection. . Since the RADF 36 has been filed and commercialized in the past, no further description will be given.

The scanner unit 40 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41 for exposing the surface of the original, a first scanning unit 40a including a first reflection mirror 42a for guiding a reflected light image from the original to the photoelectric conversion element 44, and a further original. A second scanning unit 40b including second and third reflection mirrors 42b and 42c for guiding the reflected light image to the photoelectric conversion element 44, and a photoelectric conversion element 44 for converting the reflected light image from the original into an electric image signal It comprises an optical lens body 43 for forming an image thereon, and a photoelectric conversion element 44 such as a CCD for converting a reflected light image from an original into an electric image signal.

The scanner unit 31 moves the scanner unit 40 along the lower surface of the document placing table 35 while sequentially placing the document to be read on the document placing table 35 by the related operation of the RADF 36 and the scanner unit 40. It is configured to read an image.

Image data obtained by reading the original image by the scanner unit 40 is sent to an image processing unit described below, and after being subjected to various processes, is given to a laser writing unit (hereinafter, LSU) 46 of the laser recording unit 32. Can be

The laser recording unit 32 includes a paper storage / transport unit, an LSU 46, and an electrophotographic processing unit 47 for forming an image.

The paper storage / conveyance unit has a first cassette 51, a second cassette 52, a third cassette 53, and a multi-bypass tray 54, and further records an image on the back side of the sheet on which the image is recorded. Double-sided unit 55 is provided.

Each cassette in the sheet storage / conveyance section stores a sheet bundle for each size, and when an operator selects a cassette containing a desired size, the uppermost layer of the sheet bundle in that cassette is The paper is fed one by one by the paper feeding and transporting unit 50, and is sequentially transported to the electrophotographic processing unit 47 of the laser recording unit 32 via the transport path 33.

The LSU 46 includes a semiconductor laser that emits a laser beam corresponding to image data from the above-described memory, a polygon mirror that deflects the laser beam at a constant angular speed, and a laser beam that is deflected at a constant angular speed on the photosensitive drum 48 of the electrophotographic process unit 47. It has an fθ lens and the like that corrects so as to be deflected at a constant speed.

The electrophotographic process unit 47 includes a charging device, a developing device, a transfer device, a peeling device, a cleaning device, and a static eliminator around the photosensitive drum 48 in accordance with a well-known mode, and a fixing device 49 on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. Is arranged.

Further, a sheet discharge conveyance path is provided further downstream in the sheet conveyance direction from the fixing device 49, and the sheet discharge conveyance path includes a conveyance path 57 leading to the post-processing device 34 and a conveyance path 56 leading to the duplex unit 55. And branch into.

The image data read from the image memory is formed as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 by scanning a laser beam with the LSU 46, and the toner image visualized by the toner is stored in a paper storage unit. The image is electrostatically transferred and fixed on the surface of the sheet transported from the transport unit.

The sheet on which the image is formed in this manner is sent from the fixing device 49 to the post-processing device 34 via the transport path 57 or is selectively transported to the duplex unit 55 via the transport path 56. .

The post-processing device 34 includes a first paper output tray 341 and a second paper output tray 342 arranged vertically on the left side of the apparatus. Receive from In the post-processing device 34, a sheet receiving port 343, a first transport path 344, a second transport path 345, a first switching gate 346, a second switching gate 347, a switchback transport path 348, and a first output port. A roller 349, a second discharge roller 350, and the like are provided, and correspond to various discharge modes.

In the first discharge mode, the sheet received at the sheet receiving port 343 is discharged from the first transport path 344 directly to the first discharge tray 341 by the first discharge roller 349. Here, the sheet is discharged face up with the recording surface facing upward.

In the second discharge mode, the sheet received at the sheet receiving port 343 is guided to the second transport path 345 by the first switching gate 346, and then to the second discharge roller 350 side by the second switching gate 347. Is discharged from the second discharge roller 350 to the second discharge tray 342. Here, too, it is discharged face-up.

In the third discharge mode, the sheet received at the sheet receiving port 343 is guided to the second transport path 345 by the first switching gate 346, and then to the switchback transport path 348 by the second switching gate 347. You will be guided. Then, when the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the second switching gate 347, the sheet is transported in a switchback manner and guided from the second switching gate 347 to the second discharge roller 350 side. Is discharged to the paper discharge tray 342 of FIG. Here, the sheet is discharged face down with the recording surface facing down by the switchback conveyance.

A conventionally known offset mechanism 351 for displacing the storage state of the paper to be discharged and stored in a direction substantially orthogonal to the discharge direction is provided in the first discharge tray 341 and the second discharge tray 342. 352 are provided so that sheets on which images are recorded are sorted and accommodated in units of jobs or modes.

Also, usually, data transferred from an external device such as a personal computer is sequentially transferred from the beginning of the data, so in a printer mode or the like to be described later, the transmission data is expanded as image data. In the case of outputting an image, it is necessary to use the third discharge mode or to consider the output order of the image data.

As shown in FIG. 1, the digital copying machine 1 is connected to other image processing apparatuses and personal computers, is also connected to digital cameras and digital video cameras, and is connected to the Internet (intranet). Or a digital copier, a printer, a personal computer, or a portable information terminal, which is an image processing apparatus outside the private network, via a telephone line.

Image data transferred from another image processing apparatus connected to the network via the interface is once sent to the image processing unit of the digital copying machine 1 and subjected to predetermined processing. The image is reproduced and output from the laser recording unit 32 as an image.

Next, the configuration and function of an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data in the digital copying machine 1 will be described.

FIG. 3 is an overall block configuration diagram of various units and an image processing unit constituting the digital copying machine 1 of FIG. 2, and a main central processing unit 401 (CPU (Central Processing Unit)) located substantially at the center. 4) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the operation is managed while cooperating with a sub central processing unit (CPU) mounted in each unit.

As shown in FIG. 1, an operation panel board 100 for managing and controlling an operation panel, a machine control board 200 for managing and controlling each unit constituting the digital copier 1, a CCD for electrically reading a document image and for electronic data. Board 300, a main image processing board 400 for performing predetermined image processing on a document image (image data) converted into electronic data by the CCD board 300, and an image data processed by the main image processing board 400. A sub-image processing board 500 for further performing a predetermined image processing, and other expansion boards 600 (printer board, FAX board, function expansion board) connected to the sub-image processing board 500 via an interface It has.

(4) The contents of management and control for each board will be described below.

The operation panel board 100 is basically controlled by a sub central processing unit (CPU) 101, a display screen of a touch panel type LCD display unit 104 arranged on an operation panel 103, and an instruction input by pressing the screen. , And an operation input from an operation key group 105 including a start key, a clear key, a numeric keypad, and the like. Hereinafter, the LCD display unit 104 may be referred to as a touch panel to distinguish it from the operation panel 103 including the operation key group 105.

The operation panel board 100 also includes a memory 102 for storing various control information on the operation panel 103 such as data input from the LCD display unit 104 and the operation key group 105 and information to be displayed on the LCD display unit 104. ing.

In this configuration, the sub central processing unit 101 performs control data communication with the main central processing unit 401 and instructs the digital copier 1 to operate. The main central processing unit 401 transfers a control signal indicating the operating state of the digital copier 1 to the sub central processing unit 101, so that the device can be transmitted through the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103. The current state is displayed to the operator.

The machine control board 200 is entirely controlled by a sub central processing unit 201, and includes an automatic document feeder such as the aforementioned RADF 36, a scanner unit 31 for reading a document image, and an electrophotographic process unit for reproducing image data as an image. 47, a sheet feeding and conveying unit 50 for feeding a sheet on which an image is recorded from a cassette or the like and sequentially conveying the sheet to the electrophotographic processing unit 47, and a two-sided sheet for reversing and conveying the sheet so that an image is formed on both sides of the sheet The unit 55 manages the post-processing device 34 that performs post-processing such as stapling on paper on which images are recorded.

The CCD board 300 includes a CCD 301 for electrically reading an original image, a circuit (CCD gate array) 302 for driving the CCD 301, an analog circuit 303 for adjusting a gain of analog data output from the CCD 301, and an analog output of the CCD 301. It is composed of an A / D converter 304 and the like which converts the signal into a digital signal and outputs it as electronic data. The control and management are performed by a main central processing unit 401.

The main image processing board 400 is controlled by the main central processing unit 401, and can express the gradation of the image in a desired state based on the electronic data of the original image sent from the CCD board 300. A multi-level image processing unit 402 that performs processing in the state of multi-level image data, such as shading correction, density correction, area separation, filter processing, MTF correction, resolution conversion, electronic zoom (magnification processing), and gamma correction; A memory 403 for storing processed image data or various control information such as process procedure management, and a laser control for controlling data transfer to the LSU 46 side to reproduce an image with the processed image data. 404 and the like.

The sub image processing board 500 is connected to the main image processing board 400 with a connector, and is controlled by the main central processing unit 401 on the main image processing board 400. A memory unit 502 composed of a memory for storing and managing value image data or control information in processing and a gate array for controlling the memory, storing and managing a plurality of image data, and repeating a plurality of original images A hard disk drive 503 including a disk memory for reading a desired number of copies to generate a plurality of copies and a gate array for controlling the disk memory, SCSI as an external interface, and an interface unit 504 including a gate array for controlling the SCSI Consists of

The above-described binary image processing unit 501 includes a processing unit that converts multi-valued image data into binary image data, a processing unit that rotates an image, and a binary scaling (zoom) that performs a scaling process on a binary image. It comprises a processing unit and the like, and further has a fax interface so that fax images can be transmitted and received via communication means.

The extension board group 600 includes a printer board 601 for enabling data transmitted from an externally connected personal computer or the like to be output as a printer mode from the laser recording unit 32 of the digital copying machine 1, and editing of the digital copying machine 1. A function expansion board 602 for extending the functions and effectively utilizing the features of the digital copying machine 1, and a document image read from the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 1 is transmitted to the destination or sent from the destination. There is a facsimile board 603 and the like that enable output of received image data from the laser recording unit 32 of the digital copying machine.

Here, basic image data processing in the copy mode, the fax mode, and the printer mode in the digital copying machine 1 and the flow thereof will be described.

First, the normal copy mode will be described.

Documents set at a predetermined position of the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 1 are sequentially supplied one by one onto a document mounting table 35 of the scanner unit 31, and images of the documents are sequentially read by the configuration of the scanner unit 40 described above. , Is transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit electronic data.

(8) The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit electronic image data. Then, after processing such as gamma correction is performed on the 8-bit electronic image data, the data is sent to the LSU 46 via the laser control 404.

Thus, the document image read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 1 is output from the laser recording unit 32 as a copy image with gradation.

Next, the case where the electronic RDH (Recycle Document Handler) function in the copy mode is used will be described.

Documents set at a predetermined position of the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 1 are sequentially supplied one by one onto a document mounting table 35 of the scanner unit 31, and images of the documents are sequentially read by the configuration of the scanner unit 40 described above. The data is transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit electronic data. The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit electronic image data.

Then, the 8-bit electronic image data is sent from the connector 405 on the main image processing board 400 to the sub-image processing board 500 via the connector 505 on the sub-image processing board 500, and the binary image processing is performed. The multi-value binary conversion unit of the unit 501 converts the 8-bit electronic image data into 2-bit electronic image data together with processing such as error diffusion.

Here, the reason why the 8-bit electronic image data is converted into 2-bit electronic image data including processing such as error diffusion is that simply performing multi-level binary conversion has a problem in image quality. This is a consideration to reduce deterioration of image quality. The reason why the 8-bit electronic image data is converted into the 2-bit electronic image data is that the storage capacity of the image is taken into consideration.

The 2-bit electronic image data thus converted is transferred to the disk memory of the hard disk device 503 for each document and temporarily stored and managed. When all the originals set on the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 1 are read, the 2-bit electronic image data temporarily stored in the disk memory is temporarily reduced by the number of copies specified by the control of the gate array. The 2-bit electronic image data read repeatedly is sent to the main image processing board 400 again via the connectors 405 and 505 and subjected to processing such as gamma correction. Sent to LSU 46.

Thus, the document image read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 1 is output from the laser recording unit 32 as a copy image with gradation.

Here, the description has been made such that the image group is repeatedly read out by the desired number of copies after all the original group images have been read. However, the image output of the first copy is performed when a predetermined number of images are prepared. It is also possible to adopt a configuration of sequentially outputting.

Next, the printer mode will be described.

The image transmitted from the external device connected to the network, such as a personal computer or a digital camera, using the network shown in FIG. 1 is transmitted to the page on the printer board 601 via the network interface on the printer board 601. After being developed as a unit image, it is temporarily transferred from the SCSI constituting the interface unit 504 to the sub image processing board 500 side and stored in a memory such as the hard disk device 503.

(6) The flow of this process will be briefly described by exemplifying image input from a personal computer. When text data or the like created on the personal computer is transferred in the form of a PS (Postscript) or PCL (Printer Control Language) data format, the transferred data is temporarily stored in a buffer on the printer board 601. (Memory 2), and are developed on a page memory (memory 1) by a RIP (Raster Image Processor) by the CPU.

Then, the image data developed on the page memory (memory 1) is transferred to the sub-image processing board 500 via SCSI, and stored in the hard disk device 503. At this time, if the image data expanded and stored on the page memory (memory 1) cannot be stored in the hard disk device 503 due to the capacity, the system waits until the hard disk device 503 is opened.

On the other hand, when the capacity of the hard disk device 503 becomes full, the CPU 401 managing the hard disk device 503 transfers the image data stored in the hard disk device 503 to the processing mode instructed from the operation panel 103 or to the network connection. Image output processing based on the processing mode instructed by the external device.

The image developed as a page image on the printer board 601 is sent to the sub-image processing board 500 side, but the page image is not subjected to the binary image processing and is only temporarily stored in the hard disk device 503. Also, when the stored page image is read from the hard disk device 503, the binary image processing is not performed on the page image. Then, the image data temporarily stored in the hard disk device 503 is sent to the main image processing board 400 while being read from the hard disk device 503 so as to be in a predetermined page order. From 404, the writing of the image is controlled so that the image is reproduced by the LSU 46.

Then, when the image output processing based on the designated processing mode is completed, the image data stored in the hard disk device 503 is released, and the image data on the page memory (memory 1) that has been waiting is stored in the hard disk drive. The transfer to the device 503 is restarted.

On the other hand, on the printer board 601, it is determined that the page memory (memory 1) has been released, data is received from an external device, and the expansion of the image data is resumed, and the expanded image data is transferred to the hard disk device 503 as described above. Transfer and process based on the set mode.

When the recording of the image based on the two image data stored in the hard disk device 503 is completed without any subsequent data, the designated processing mode is released, and the image data stored in the hard disk device 503 is also deleted. Clear and open the hard disk drive 503.

When the data transferred from the external device is expanded, stored in the hard disk device 503, and output processing is performed, if the expanded data of one job is collectively managed in the hard disk device 503, the above-described processing is performed. Since it is not necessary to perform the divided output processing, the image output processing may be performed based on the processing mode instructed collectively.

Next, the fax mode will be described.

(4) The fax mode includes processing for transmitting a document to a destination and receiving a document from the destination. First, transmission of a document to a destination will be described.

The transmission originals set at a predetermined position of the RADF 36 of the digital copying machine 1 are sequentially supplied one by one onto an original mounting table 35 of the scanner unit 31, and the image of the transmission original is formed by the configuration of the scanner unit 40 described above. The image data is sequentially read and transferred to the main image processing board 400 as 8-bit electronic data.

(8) The 8-bit electronic data transferred to the main image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing on the multi-value image processing unit 402 as 8-bit electronic image data. Then, the 8-bit electronic image data is sent from the connector 405 on the main image processing board 400 to the sub-image processing board 500 via the connector 505 on the sub-image processing board 500, and the binary image processing is performed. The multi-value binary conversion unit of the unit 501 converts the 8-bit electronic image data into 2-bit electronic image data together with processing such as error diffusion.

The conversion of 8-bit electronic image data into 2-bit electronic image data including processing such as error diffusion is similar to the case where the electronic RDH function in the copy mode is used. This is because there is a problem in the image quality if only the conversion is performed.

The transmission document converted into a binary image in this manner is compressed in a predetermined format and stored in the memory unit 502. Then, when a transmission procedure with the destination is performed and a state in which transmission is possible is ensured, the transmission original image compressed in a predetermined format read from the memory unit 502 is transferred to the fax board 603 side, and the fax board After necessary processing such as changing the compression format is performed on the 603, the data is sequentially transmitted to the other party via the communication line.

As will be described in detail later, in the digital copying machine 1, even in an open network environment such as a fax mode, when transmitting image data to a destination, the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus is reduced. It is configured to be able to grasp and perform image processing in accordance with the processing capability, and to transmit a post-processing instruction and the like to the destination together with the image data.

Next, processing of a document image transmitted from a destination will be described. When the original is transmitted from the other party via the communication line, the original image transmitted from the other party is received while the communication procedure is performed on the fax board 603, and the received image is compressed in a predetermined format. The image is sent from the fax interface provided in the binary image processing unit 501 of the sub image processing board 500 to the binary image processing unit 501, and reproduces the original image transmitted as a page image by the compression / decompression processing unit. I do.

Then, the original image reproduced as an image in page units is transferred to the main image processing board 400 side and subjected to gamma correction, and then the writing of the image is controlled by the laser control 404 to reproduce the image by the LSU 46. You.

As can be seen from the above configuration, the image processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the image data mainly includes a main image processing board 400 that processes the original image read and input from the scanner unit 31 as multi-valued image data, The image data of the document processed as multi-valued image data by the image processing board 400 is subjected to predetermined processing such as binarization processing, and image data sent from a device connected via an external interface is processed. After a predetermined process is performed on the sub image processing board 500, the sub image processing board 500 is transferred to the multi-value image processing unit 402 (main image processing board 400).

{Circle around (4)} The main image processing board 400 includes a laser control 404 for controlling the writing of image data of the LSU 46 in order to reproduce an image from the LSU 46 on the photosensitive member 48 of the electrophotographic processing unit 47. With this configuration, the original image read and input from the scanner unit 31 can be reproduced as a copy image from the laser recording unit 32 without impairing the characteristics of the image of the original as a multi-valued image. For example, when high-speed output processing is performed by using the sub-image processing board 500, the hard disk device 503, or the like, it is possible.

In addition, processing and output for image data transferred from an external device such as a facsimile or a personal computer, and for facsimile, a multi-valued image processing is performed. The configuration is such that appropriate processing can be performed on the image data in accordance with the digital characteristic functions provided as the digital copying machine 1 such as a value processing.

In addition, by dispersing the image processing unit, it is possible to prepare a wide variety of variations (lineup) of the digital copying machine 1, and it is possible to install the digital copying machine according to the demands of the user. It is also possible to easily develop the system according to the user's request.

Further, since the central processing unit 401 arranged on the main image processing board 400 also manages and controls the sub image processing board 500 in the above-described configuration, each processing unit controls the entire image to be processed continuously. , The flow of data and processing becomes smooth, and there is no risk of losing image data.

The above is the description of the image processing unit that processes image data input from the scanner unit 31 or the expansion board group 600 mounted on the digital copying machine 1.

Next, an image transmission system for transmitting image data such as a document to be transmitted from the digital copying machine 1 to the image processing apparatus of the other party using the network will be described.

As described above, the digital copying machine 1 is under a network environment as shown in FIG. 1, and is connected to, for example, the image processing apparatuses 4 and 5 and the personal computer 7 via a private network. Further, the image processing apparatuses 2, 3, and 6, the personal computer 8, and the scanner which is a peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus are connected via the Internet or a telephone line. I can do it.

On this network, each device does not necessarily know in advance the processing capacity and processing function mounted on each other, and new terminal equipment from the outside is newly connected to the network, and specific devices are The network system includes a network system that transmits image data and performs output processing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the processing capabilities and states of the image processing apparatuses connected to the network. The numbers assigned to the respective image processing apparatuses in FIG. 1 correspond to the image processing apparatus numbers in FIG. 4, respectively. The image processing device 1 is the above-described digital copying machine 1.

For example, in the image processing apparatus 4 in the private network environment, A4 is set as a sheet in the sheet supply unit, and the apparatus supports color images and monochrome images. The printing speed is 6 sheets / min for color and 24 for monochrome. Sheets / minute. Further, the image processing memory is equipped with a 1 GB hard disk, and indicates normal operation with no paper jam or trouble of running out of toner.

Further, the image processing apparatus 2 in the external network environment can perform offset and stapling as a sheet post-processing apparatus, and A3, A4, B4, and B5 are set as sheets in a sheet feeding unit, and only a monochrome image is supported. And the printing speed is 40 sheets / min. Further, the image processing memory is equipped with a 16 MB RAM and a 2 GB hard disk, and indicates normal operation without paper jams or trouble of running out of toner.

FIG. 5 shows an initial screen displayed on the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103 of the digital copying machine 1. On the initial screen, the current settings and status of the digital copying machine 1 are displayed. From this screen, the digital copying machine 1 automatically adjusts the copy density, sets the magnification to 100%, selects A4 for the paper, and automatically sets the paper size according to the original size and the designated magnification (100%). Is set to the automatic mode in which is selected.

と Pressing the “designate destination” key on this screen changes the display to the screen in FIG. The destination displayed here is a destination connected to the network and suitable as the destination, or a destination registered in the digital copier 1 in advance. On this screen, one or more arbitrary destinations can be selected.

First, the case where one partner is selected and designated will be described.

を On this screen, if the “image processing device 3” key is pressed and then the “close” key is pressed, the image processing device 3 is selected, and the display changes to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a screen of the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103 provided in the digital copying machine 1. The screen shows an external view of the image processing apparatus 3 selected as the destination. I have.

Here, the digital copying machine 1 is different from the normal access mode (first access mode) because the selected image processing apparatus 3 is an apparatus under an external network environment not managed by the private network. To access the other party's image processing device 3 over the network, and the image processing capability, the capacity and use status of the image processing memory provided in the image processing device 3, and the post-processing device The information processing device acquires information such as peripheral devices such as the current state such as a jam or paper out, and reflects the acquired information on the operation panel 103 to display a touch panel substantially similar to that of the image processing device 3. The operation procedure 3 can be realized on the operation panel 103 of the digital copying machine 1 as it is.

に て On the screen shown in FIG. 7, for example, the user presses a “paper” key and selects A4 as the output paper. Next, when the "post-processing" key is pressed on this screen, the display changes to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a processing setting screen for the post-processing device mounted on the image processing device 3 of the other party. In this figure as well, substantially the same display and operation procedure as those of the image processing apparatus 3 are realized on the operation panel 103 provided in the digital copier 1 of the transmission source based on the information obtained from the image processing apparatus 3.

After setting image processing, post-processing, and the like for the image processing device 3 of the other party on the operation panel 103 of the digital copying machine 1 displaying such a touch panel as the image processing device 3 of the other party, When a document is set and the start key is pressed, the document image is read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 1 and appropriate image processing is performed on the read image data by the image processing unit. The image data is transmitted to the image processing device 3 together with the instruction information for instructing the output form.

At this time, for example, if an A3-size color original is set as the original, the digital copier 1 reduces the A3-size image data to A4 because A4 is specified as the output paper of the image processing apparatus 3. Then, the image data is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3. Further, since the image processing apparatus 3 does not support color, the digital copying machine 1 converts the color image data read by the scanner unit 31 into monochrome, and transmits the monochrome to the image processing apparatus 3.

Conventionally, processing such as scaling or monochrome conversion has been performed in accordance with the state of the destination image processing apparatus. However, in the case of the digital copying machine 1, the output form is Since the output can be provided only in an undesired form, the transmission can be stopped at this point because the output can be provided in an undesired form.

Here, it is possible to instruct that the conversion of the color image data into the monochrome image data be performed by the image processing apparatus 3 of the other party. Since the data is smaller than the color image data, it is desirable to process the digital copy machine 1 at the transmission source. In the digital copy machine 1, the apparatus side that performs image processing is determined so that the amount of data to be transmitted is reduced. are doing.

Further, since the image processing memory mounted on the image processing apparatus 3 is a 2 GB hard disk, a large amount of image data can be processed at one time if image processing is not currently performed in the memory. Therefore, the image data is transferred only once. However, if the capacity of the image processing memory mounted on the image processing apparatus 3 is smaller, or if image processing is currently being performed and a memory capacity effective for processing a large amount of image data at a time is secured. If the situation is not possible, the image data is transmitted a plurality of times. As a result, more efficient processing can be realized.

(4) The image data transmitted to the image processing apparatus 3 in this way is subjected to post-processing designated as appropriate image processing by the image processing apparatus 3 and output.

On the other hand, when the “image processing device 5” key is pressed on the screen for specifying the destination in FIG. 6 and the image processing device 5 in the private network environment is specified as the destination, the image processing device 5 Since the state and the like are always managed mutually with the digital copying machine 1, the normal first access mode is entered, and the same image of the other party as described above is obtained only by pressing the "image processing apparatus 5" key. A screen is displayed on the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103 so that an instruction to output image data within the range of the processing capability of the processing device for image data can be given.

Next, a case where a plurality of destinations are selected and specified will be described. On the screen of FIG. 6, press the "image processing apparatus 2" key, "image processing apparatus 3" key, "image processing apparatus 4" key, and "image processing apparatus 6" key, and then press the "close" key. . Thereby, the display changes to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a screen of the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103 provided in the digital copying machine 1, and the screen shows each of the image processing apparatuses 2, 3, 4, 6 selected as the destination. Are displayed.

At this time, the digital copying machine 1 sets the above-described second access mode to the three image processing apparatuses 2, 3, and 6 which are not in the environment of the local network of the other party selected on the screen of FIG. And access each of the other image processing apparatuses 2, 3, and 6 over the network, and the image processing capacity and the capacity and use status of the image processing memory provided in each of the image processing apparatuses 2, 3, and 6 And information such as peripheral devices such as a post-processing device and the current state (trouble and the like).

Then, by reflecting the obtained information on the operation panel 103 of the digital copying machine 1, a touch panel substantially the same as the image processing apparatuses 2, 3, and 6 is displayed, and the operation procedure of the image processing apparatuses 3, 4, and 6 is changed. It can be realized on the operation panel 103 of the digital copying machine 1 as it is.

On the other hand, the image processing apparatus 4 in the private network environment enters the normal first access mode, and the state and the like are constantly managed with the digital copying machine 1. '' Key is pressed and a destination to which image data is to be transmitted is designated, and a screen that allows an instruction to output image data within the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus for image data is displayed. The information is displayed on the LCD display unit 104 of the operation panel 103.

The operation panel 103 of the digital copier 1 displaying substantially the same touch panel as each of the four image processing apparatuses 2, 3, 4, and 6 selected as the other party has the capability of each image processing apparatus, After confirming the state, settings such as image processing and post-processing are individually performed for each of the partner image processing apparatuses 2, 3, 4, and 6. Here, the capability and status of a plurality of destination image processing devices can be compared in detail, and then only the required destination can be selected and the data can be transmitted. it can.

For example, for the image processing apparatus 2, the paper size is set to A4, and a "special function" key is pressed to specify a 4-in-1 multi-shot in which four pages of images are contained in one page. An instruction to enlarge by 200% is designated using the "magnification" key. In the image processing apparatus 4, the number of output copies is set to 5, and the "post-processing" key is pressed to specify the sort offset. Further, since it is possible to confirm from the screen of FIG. 9 that a paper jam has occurred for the image processing apparatus 6, the user presses the destination designation key to return to the destination selection screen of FIG. Cancel the selection.

After the settings are made in this way, for example, when a monochrome document of A4 size is set and the start key is pressed, the document image is read by the scanner unit 31 of the digital copying machine 1, and the read image data is appropriately processed. After performing the appropriate image processing, the image data is transmitted to the destination image processing apparatuses 2, 3, and 4 selected in FIG. 6 together with the instruction information corresponding to each destination via the network.

(4) After the transmission is completed, each destination image processing apparatus that has received the image data performs the processing specified by the digital copying machine 1 based on the instruction information, and outputs the data in the specified output form. That is, the image processing apparatus 2 performs image processing so as to form a 4-in-1 multi-shot on A4 paper, and outputs the result. Further, the image processing device 3 changes the image data by 200% and outputs it. The image processing apparatus 4 sets the number of output copies to five, and outputs five copies of the image based on the image data while offsetting using a sorter.

In the above description, the CPU 401 and the network I / F in the printer board 603 have the function as the recognition means in the present invention, and the CPU 401 and the operation panel board 100 have the function as the operation instruction screen display means. , The operation panel 103, and the like, the network I / F of the CPU 401, the main image processing board 400, the sub image processing board 500, and the printer board 603 have a function as transmission means.

In addition, in the digital copying machine 1, it is also possible to select only a device having a specific function and transmit image data to an image processing device in a network environment.

For example, if you want to complete the output product by stapling the output product and specify only an image processing device that can perform stapling as the transmission destination, do the following.

First, the “post-processing” key is pressed on the destination selection screen of FIG. This changes the display to the screen of FIG. FIG. 10 shows a screen for setting the post-processing. Here, staple sorting is designated, and the "OK" key is pressed. As a result, the digital copying machine 1 enters the second access mode described above, obtains information on the image processing apparatus capable of stapling from the network, and displays the screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows the same destination selection screen as in FIG. 6, but shows only the image processing apparatuses 2 and 4 that are staple-sortable destinations.

Therefore, by selecting a destination from among the destinations displayed in FIG. 11, it is possible to select only the destinations that can be staple-sorted, and to output the desired staples in the output form. Can provide output material.

In the above description, the CPU 401, the operation panel board 100, the operation panel 103 and the like have the function as the instruction means in the present invention, and the CPU 401 mainly has the function as the destination selection means.

If it is known that the digital copying machine 1 transmits only color image data in advance, when the "designate destination" key is pressed on the initial screen of the operation panel of the digital copying machine 1 in FIG. Information on an image processing apparatus capable of processing color image data is obtained from the network, and the screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed.

FIG. 12 shows the same destination selection screen as in FIG. 6, but shows the image processing apparatuses 4 and 5 which are destinations capable of processing color image data. By selecting from the destinations displayed in FIG. 12, only the destinations capable of processing the color image data can be selected.

Further, in the present embodiment, as the operation instruction screen that enables the operation instruction to the above-mentioned destination image processing apparatus, a “special function” key, a “post-processing” key, a “magnification specification” key, a “copy density specification” Key and the same key as its own, such as the "paper designation key", the operation instruction screen of the transmission source device is applied, and only the designation of the process possessed by the destination image processing device is newly displayed. , Can be instructed with the feeling of an operation panel of a device that is commonly used. In addition, since an unnecessary operation key is not displayed and an operation screen suitable for the device of the other party is displayed, operability is easy to understand.

Alternatively, of course, the LCD panel 104 of the digital copier 1 may be directly output from the operation panel of the destination image processing apparatus. In this case, the capability of the destination device can be easily known, and the output mode of the image can be instructed by assuming the destination device to which the image data is transmitted. Therefore, also in this case, the operability is good, and the output form at the destination is easy to predict.

In the digital copier 1, an operation instruction screen for performing an operation instruction to the destination image processing apparatus is displayed including an external view of the apparatus so that the processing capability of the destination image processing apparatus can be understood. Therefore, it is easy to grasp the processing capability of the partner image processing apparatus, and the operability is good.

In particular, when transmitting to multiple destinations, not only is it easy to grasp the capabilities and status of each device, but it is also easy to visually compare and understand the capabilities, status, and setting status of multiple destination image processing devices. Settings and the selection of the other party can be easily determined.

Here, the case where the present digital copying machine 1 is an image transmitting apparatus is mainly described, but the present digital copying machine 1 also has a function as an image receiving apparatus for realizing the image transmitting system of the present invention. . That is, when the digital copier 1 is accessed from another image processing apparatus via the network in the above-described second access mode, the CPU 401 also functions as a notification unit, and the processing capability of the digital copier 1 Is notified via the network, and based on the instruction information transmitted together with the image data, output processing is performed in the output form designated by the transmission source image processing apparatus.

In the above description, the digital image forming apparatus is configured to transmit image data to a destination digital image forming apparatus and output an image in a desired state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which image data is transmitted between various devices such as a scanner device, a printer device, and a personal computer, and a combination of devices.

The present invention relates to an image transmission system that transmits image data from an image processing apparatus to another image processing apparatus via a network, an image transmission apparatus that is a transmission source image processing apparatus used in the image transmission system, and a reception apparatus. It can be applied to the original image processing device.

1 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram illustrating a network environment to which a digital copying machine that realizes an image transmission system of the present invention is connected. FIG. 2 is a structural diagram of the digital copying machine. FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of an image processing unit in the digital copying machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating capabilities and states of respective image processing apparatuses connected on the network of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an initial screen displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of the digital copying machine. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a destination selection screen for transmitting image data, displayed on the LCD display of the operation panel of the digital copying machine. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an operation instruction screen of the image processing apparatus 3 designated as a destination, displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the digital copying machine. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a post-processing setting screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the digital copying machine, the image processing apparatus being designated as the destination; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an operation instruction screen of the image processing apparatuses 2, 3, 4, and 6 designated as the other party, displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the digital copying machine. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the LCD display unit of the operation panel of the digital copying machine for setting post-processing to be performed by the other party. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a destination selection screen of image data that can be stapled as sheet post-processing, displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of a digital copying machine. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a destination selection screen of image data capable of outputting a color image, which is displayed on an LCD display unit of an operation panel of a digital copying machine.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 Digital copier (image transmitting device, image receiving device)
2 Image processing device 2 (image receiving device)
3. Image processing device 3 (image receiving device)
6. Image processing device 6 (image receiving device)
100 Operation panel board (operation instruction screen display means, instruction means)
103 operation panel (operation instruction screen display means, instruction means)
400 Main image processing board (transmission means)
401 CPU (recognition means, operation instruction screen display means, transmission means, destination selection means, instruction means)
500 Sub-image processing board (transmission means)
601 Printer board (transmission means, recognition means)

Claims (3)

In an image processing apparatus that transmits image data to a destination image processing apparatus via a network,
Equipped with an operation panel,
The operation panel includes a display unit that displays a current state of the image processing apparatus,
Recognize the processing capability and current state of the partner image processing device via a network,
By reflecting the processing capability and the current state of the recognized destination image processing apparatus on the display unit of the own, the same operation procedure as that of the destination image processing apparatus is realized on the operation panel, and An image processing apparatus for setting a destination image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit is a touch panel. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an external view of the destination image processing apparatus is displayed on the display unit.

Images