JP2005190486A - Image processor and its control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer image data read based on an instruction at an image processor side to a desired computer. <P>SOLUTION: The image data read by a scanner 115 according to an instruction from a touch panel 111 is provided with a file name; the image data provided with the file name is transferred to the desired computer connected to a computer network via an external I/F 118 by accessing the computer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that processes image data, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus that can be connected to a computer network and a control method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of device, for example, a device that is used as a peripheral device of a computer by connecting a scanner device to the computer is known. In addition, in recent years, a digital copying machine is connected to a computer to copy an original image, and a scanner capable of using the scanner unit of the copying machine as a peripheral device of the computer is known.

  Such a peripheral device functions to operate based on an instruction from the computer. That is, the scanner device sets a document on the document table, starts reading the document based on activation from the computer, and the read image data is transferred to the computer.

  However, in such a system configuration linked with a computer, the peripheral device is only a so-called slave device that operates based on an instruction from the computer, and therefore, the read image data cannot be transferred to the computer without an instruction from the computer. It was a thing.

  For example, when using a scanner device, conventionally, first, an original is set on the scanner device, and then the computer is operated to start the scanner device. When the reading is completed, the document is removed from the scanner device. Sometimes, when the scanner device and the computer are located at a distance from each other, there is a problem that the scanner device and the computer have to be moved back and forth.

  The present invention has been made in order to eliminate the above-described problems, and image data read based on an instruction from the image processing apparatus side can be transferred to a desired transfer destination without providing a dedicated computer terminal for processing such as a separate reading instruction. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus that can be transferred as a file and a control method therefor.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus of the present invention comprises the following arrangement.

  That is, reading means for reading an original image, connection means for connecting to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, transfer means for transferring image data read by the reading means to the computer network via the connection means, One of computers connected to the computer network via an operation panel provided in the image processing device and one of a plurality of directories for storing image data in the computer A designation unit for designating a file, a reading instruction unit for instructing reading by the reading unit via the operation panel, and a file for saving the image data as a file in a directory format in the image data read by the reading unit Setting means for setting a name and the reading instruction Control means for controlling the transfer means to transfer the image data read by the reading means based on the instruction by the transfer means so as to be stored in the directory of the computer designated by the designation means together with the file name set by the setting means. Have.

  Also, reading means for reading a document image, connection means for connecting to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, transfer means for transferring image data read by the reading means to the computer network via the connection means, Display means for displaying a list of transfer destinations by the transfer means on an operation panel provided in the image processing apparatus, and a desired transfer destination from the list displayed by the display means A specifying unit for specifying the image, a reading instruction unit for instructing reading by the reading unit using the operation panel, and a file for storing the image data as a file in a directory format in the image data read by the reading unit Setting means for setting a name and the reading based on an instruction from the reading instruction means. Control means for controlling the transfer means to transfer the image data read by the means together with the file name set by the setting means to the transfer destination specified by the specifying means, and without passing through the reading means and the computer network The connected printing means has a copy processing means for outputting the image data read by the reading means.

  As described above, according to the present invention, image data read based on an instruction from the image processing apparatus can be transferred to a desired transfer destination without using a dedicated computer terminal for reading processing. In addition, since the file name when the image data is handled as a file in the directory format is set and transferred together with the file name, the image data can be easily handled at the transfer destination.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a digital copying machine as an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, 1 is a copying machine main body, 101 is a CPU (central processing unit), 102 is a ROM (read only memory), 103 is a RAM (random access memory), and 104 is a PC card interface (PC card) for connecting a PC card. (I / F), 105 is a detachable PC card, 106 is a floppy disk drive interface (FDDI / F), 107 is a floppy disk drive (FDD), and 108 is a liquid crystal display controller (LCD controller). ), 109 is a liquid crystal display (LCD), 110 is a key input interface (key I / F), 111 is a touch panel, 112 is an operation key, 113 is an image memory, 114 is a scanner interface (scanner I / F), and 115 is Scanner 116 is a printer Interface (printer I / F), 117 is a printer, 118 external interface (external I / F), 119 is a floppy disk (FD), 120 is an infrared sensor.

  The CPU 101 controls the entire apparatus according to programs stored in the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the PC card 105, and the like. The ROM 102 constantly stores an execution program and various parameters for the CPU 101 to control. For example, the ROM 102 is configured with a flash ROM or the like, and is installed when it is necessary to update other programs. Updating can be performed at any time by writing update data obtained from an external host computer via the PC card 105, the floppy (registered trademark) disk 119, or the external interface 118. The RAM 103 serves to temporarily store programs and data necessary for program execution. The PC card interface 104 is an interface for accessing the detachable PC card 105 from the CPU 101, and the floppy (registered trademark) disk drive interface 106 is driven by driving a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive 107. Data stored in the floppy disk 119 inserted in the registered disk drive 107 can be read, and new data can be written. The LCD controller 108 draws characters, graphics, and the like on the LCD 109 by receiving data to be displayed from the CPU 101. The touch panel 109 is a pressure-sensitive transparent switch that is mounted on the surface of the LCD 109 and detects a user's pressing operation. The key input interface 110 is an interface for reading the states of the touch panel 111 and the operation keys 112. By combining the LCD 109 and the touch panel 111, the operation screen can be switched to a suitable one depending on the case, and an operation unit that can be easily understood by the user can be configured. The image memory 113 stores image data to be input / output by the scanner 115 and the printer 117. The scanner 115 and the printer 117 exchange commands and image data via the scanner interface 114 or the printer interface 116, respectively. The scanner 115 scans and reads the image of the document placed on the document table. The printer 117 prints out image data received via the external interface 118. Further, the image read by the scanner 115 is printed out by the printer 117 to copy the original. The external interface 118 is an interface for communicating with one or a plurality of computers such as personal computers and workstations existing outside the apparatus. The infrared sensor 120 is a sensor for detecting whether there is an operator in the vicinity of the operation unit (LCD 109, touch panel 111, operation key 112) of the copying machine 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example when the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a local area network (LAN). The copying machine 1 can exchange data with devices on the LAN in addition to operations as a known digital copying machine such as local copying.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a LAN that connects a plurality of computers, copiers, facsimile apparatuses, scanner apparatuses, printer apparatuses, etc., and forms a network for transferring data between the apparatuses.

  202, 203, and 204 are personal computers connected to the LAN 201. However, the number of computers that can be connected to the LAN 201 is not limited to the above three, and a large number of computers can be connected.

  Next, the flow of processing when the copying machine 1 accesses an external computer will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart is based on a program stored in the ROM 102, but can be operated by a program read from the PC card 105 and the floppy (registered trademark) disk 119 or sent via the external interface 118. . In addition, the copying machine 1 accesses the computer from a slave mode that operates based on an instruction from an external computer and the operation key 112 of the copying machine 1, and prints out a file in the computer by the printer 117 or reads it by the scanner 115. A master mode for transferring image data to a computer.

  In the slave mode, the printer 117 is operated in response to a print command from an external computer, and image data sent from the computer is printed out. Further, based on a scan start command for reading from the computer, the operation of the step 115 is performed to read the image of the original, and the read image data is transferred to the computer. On the other hand, in the master mode, the computer is specified and accessed by pressing the remote key of the operation key 112, and the process is started. A detailed description of this operation will be given below.

  In FIG. 3, first, when the remote key is pressed in S301, it is determined in S302 whether or not another process is being executed. If it is being executed, the process proceeds to S303 and the LCD 109 is operating in another process. Display to inform the operator that another operation in the current master mode cannot be started. In S304, a display asking whether or not to cancel is displayed on the LCD 109. When cancel is selected by the touch panel 111, the display on the LCD 109 is returned to the initial state. If not canceled here, the process waits until the process in operation is completed in S305, and when it is determined that the process has ended (in this case, an alarm is sounded), or it is determined that no other process is performed in S302. In step S306, the display on the LCD 109 is switched from the display indicating the operation or the initial state to the display shown in FIG. 4 in order to set the master mode.

  In FIG. 4, 401 is a print button for performing print processing in the master mode, 402 is a scan button for performing scan processing in the master mode, 403 is a control button for performing remote control processing of the computer, and 404 is a master mode. It is a cancel button for canceling the process by. By pressing the position of the button displayed on the LCD 109, the coordinates of the pixel on the touch panel 111 are detected, and it is determined which button the CPU 101 is pressed through the key I / F 110.

  If it is determined in step S307 that the print button 401 has been pressed, the process advances to step S308 to perform print processing in the master mode. If it is determined in step S309 that the scan button 402 has been pressed, the process advances to step S310 to perform scan processing using mustard. If it is determined in step S311 that the control button 403 has been pressed, the process advances to step S312 to perform remote control processing of the computer. If it is determined in S313 that the cancel button 404 has been pressed, the master mode is canceled and the display on the LCD 109 is returned to the initial state.

  Next, the flow of processing when the print button 401 is pressed in S307 of FIG. 3 will be described based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

  When the print button 401 is pressed in S307 in FIG. 3, the display on the LCD 109 is switched to the display as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, 701 is a list of computers connected to the LAN 201, 702 is a connect button for starting access to the computer, 703 is a cancel button for canceling print processing, 704 is a password display field, and 705 is Character palette for inputting characters, 706 is a tab for displaying all accessible computers, 707 is a tab for displaying the most recently accessed computers, and 708 is a list of computers that have been accessed by name (ASCII code, etc.) 709 is a tab for displaying computers with a high access frequency.

  When the print button 401 is pressed in step S703 in FIG. 3, the CPU 101 uses the external I / F 118 to inquire a predetermined computer connected to the LAN 201 (for example, a server of the LAN 201) to obtain the registered name of the accessible computer. A list is created, and the list is displayed as shown at 701 in FIG. 7 in S501. This display corresponds to a state where the tab 707 for displaying all accessible computers is selected. Next, the computer is selected by pressing the position where the desired computer is displayed from the list displayed in 701 in S502. The name of the computer selected here (ABD in FIG. 7) is highlighted. In step S503, a password for the computer selected in step S502 is input from the character list of the character palette 705. The input password is displayed in the password display field 704 in a hidden form, and the input operation can be confirmed. If a wrong character is entered at the time of password entry, the user can erase the characters one by one by pressing the cancel key included in the character palette 705. It should be noted that the order of computer selection and password input may be arbitrary.

  Then, both the computer selection and the password input are completed. When the connect button 702 is pressed in step S504, communication is performed with the computer selected from the CPU 101 based on the network address in the LAN 201, the password is confirmed, and the password is determined in step S505. It is determined whether or not they match, that is, whether the password is correct. If it is determined that the password is correct, the selected computer can be accessed, a connection is established, and the process proceeds to S507. If the passwords do not match and it is determined that the password is incorrect, an error is displayed in S506, and the process returns to S501. If the connection is successfully established, in S507, information related to the connection destination computer is stored in the appropriate area as a history. That is, information such as the name of the connection destination computer, the time of access, the number of times of access in the past, the purpose of access (scan or print, etc.) is stored. At this time, the RAM 103 is appropriate as the storage destination, but it is also possible to store it in a partial area of the ROM 102, the PC card 105, or the floppy (registered trademark) disk 119.

  Now, a case will be described in which a connection destination is selected from computers that have already been connected, instead of selecting a connection destination from among all computers that can be connected as described above. In the present embodiment, by selecting tabs 706, 707, 708, and 709, an operation of switching the display mode of the computer is performed according to the flow shown in FIG. That is, if the tab 706 for displaying all accessible computers in S1401 is selected, a list of accessible computers after inquiring of the computers connected by the external I / F 118 in S1402 as described above. And the computer list is displayed in step S1408. If the tab 707 for displaying the most recently accessed computer is selected in S1403, a list is sequentially displayed from the most recently accessed computer by referring to the information related to the previously accessed computer in step S1404. And the list is displayed in S1408. If the tab 708 for displaying the computers that have accessed S1405 in order of name is selected, a list in which the names of the computers that have accessed in the past in S1406 are arranged in name order (code order) is created. In step S1408, display is performed. If the tab 709 for displaying computers with high access frequency is selected, a list is created in descending order of the computers accessed in the past in S1407 and displayed in S1408. By the above operation, an operation is performed in which a list of computers is presented according to desired conditions from among all accessible computers based on user instructions or computers that have been accessed in the past, and the user selects from the list. can do.

  When the computer selected by the above procedure is accessed and the connection is established, the display on the LCD 109 is switched to the display as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 8, 801 is a list of files managed by the selected computer, 802 is a preview button for displaying an image of the selected file, 803 is a print button for printing out the image of the selected file, 804 Is a cancel button for returning to the computer selection screen of FIG.

  In S508 of FIG. 5, a list of files is displayed as in 801 of FIG. If the displayed file list is not in the directory that contains the target file, the sub-directory (items with “...” in the figure) or the upper directory (“↑” in the figure) displayed in the file list. The directory can be moved by selecting "item".

  Then, when the position of a desired file in the file list is pressed in S509, the file name is highlighted and a file is selected. When a file is selected, it is determined whether or not the preview button 802 is pressed in S510, and if it is pressed, an instruction is given to the accessing computer to determine the application software that created the file based on the selected file name. In step S512, the application software is started, and the data of the selected file is read as bitmap data. In step S513, the image data of the desired file that has been converted into a bitmap is transferred. In step S514, the image data is displayed on the LCD 109. Here, the page is first displayed from the top of the first page, and is displayed by an operation (not shown) such as a scroll key, next page key, whole display key (reduced to display one page). When the display is completed in S515, the next key input is waited. When a cancel key (not shown) is pressed in S516, the process returns to S508 to display a file list. Otherwise, it waits again for any of the preview button 802, the print button 803, and the cancel button 804. If it is determined in step S601 that the print button has been pressed, in step S603 to step S605, the high-resolution image data for printing of the file selected by the same procedure as in steps S511 to S513 described above is transferred, and in step S606, the image is printed out by the printer 117. . The resolution of the image data transferred in S513 or S605 is converted as necessary.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the cancel button 804 has been pressed, the process returns to S501 to display a list of computers.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an execution sequence on the computer side on the LAN 201 for file transfer based on an instruction from the copying machine 1 in steps S501 to S513 and S603 to S605. When there is an instruction as in S511 and S603, the file specified in S901 is referred to the correspondence database of the file held on the computer side and the application software that created the file, and which application software is the specified file Find out if it was created. In step S902, if the application software is not activated, the application software is activated and the designated file is read. Subsequently, the screen displayed in step S903, for example, the window contents of the word processor is acquired, print data is created, and the data is transferred to the copying machine 1.

  By the above operation, the copying machine 1 side can obtain screen data of the file contents displayed on the computer, and therefore the bitmap is converted into whatever form the file is on the computer side. Data can be received by the copying machine 1 and displayed and printed out.

  Now, a case where the user explicitly releases access will be described.

  As mentioned above, you can return to the previous operation by pressing the cancel button on each operation screen, so you can first cancel the access operation by repeating the same operation. A simple key for canceling access is provided.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the appearance of the operation unit (including the LCD 109, the touch panel 111, and the operation key 112) of the copying machine 1. In FIG. 15, reference numeral 1501 denotes a display unit including the LCD 109 and the touch panel 111. 1502 is a reset key, 1503 is the remote key described above, 1504 is a preheat key, 1505 is a start key, 1506 is a numeric keypad, and 1507 is a stop key. Each key is a hard key constituting the operation key 112. In addition, the remote key 1503 and the preheat key 1504 are each provided with an LED display portion on the top of the key to indicate the current operation mode.

  The display unit 1501 displays an operation panel for the user according to the case as described above and accepts the user's key input, and the reset key 1502 returns all currently set various settings to the initial setting state. It is a key for.

  When the remote key 1503 is pressed to access the computer via the external I / F 118, the CPU 101 turns on the LED of the remote key 1503 via the key I / F 110. Thus, the user can easily confirm that the computer access mode is set. In this computer access state, when the user wants to cancel the computer access, the same effect can be obtained by using several keys in addition to sequentially pressing the cancel key. First, when the reset key 1502 is pressed, the user has instructed to return the setting mode to the initial state, and the CPU 101 ends the communication with the computer and returns the display unit 1501 to the initial screen. When the preheat key 1504 is pressed, the copier 1 enters the preheat mode by turning off the main power supply. However, in this mode, there is no meaning to keep the computer access. to go into. In addition, when the remote key 1503 is pressed again while the LED of the remote key 1503 is lit, an instruction to access another new computer is issued, and an operation to cancel the access to the previous computer is performed.

  As described above, the user can instruct to cancel the access directly from the operation key 112, so that the user can cancel the access immediately if necessary.

  Next, when the user does not operate the copier 1 for a while and the copier 1 is in the standby state for a predetermined time, that is, when the set mode reset timer or preheat timer is operated, the computer remains being accessed. If it is in the state, the CPU 101 cancels the access state without an instruction from the user, and performs an operation of entering a mode reset or preheating mode.

  Further, when it is detected by the infrared sensor 120 that the user is no longer in the vicinity of the copying machine 1 and the designated operation is completed and the apparatus is in a standby state for a predetermined time, the next user directly accesses the computer. To prevent this, the current access is canceled before entering a standby state.

  The various methods for canceling access described above are also effective when the following operations are performed.

  Next, the flow of processing when the scan button 402 is pressed in S309 of FIG. 3 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the scan button 402 is pressed in S309 in FIG. 3, the display on the LCD 109 is switched to the display as shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, since the procedure for accessing the computers of S1001 to S1005 is the same as that of S501 to S505 described above, description thereof is omitted here.

  When the computer is selected and accessed, and the connection with the computer is established, information regarding the connection destination computer is stored in S1007 as in S507, and the process proceeds to S1008. Then, the display on the LCD 109 is switched to the display as shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 11, reference numeral 1101 denotes a preview frame for displaying an image of a read original, 1102 denotes a list of directories managed by the accessed computer, 1103 denotes a scan button for transferring the read image data to the accessed computer, and 1104. Is a preview button for displaying the read image data in the preview frame, 1105 is a cancel button for returning to the computer selection screen of FIG. 7, 1106 is a file name display frame for displaying the input file name, and 1107 is This is a character palette for entering characters.

  When the document is set on the document table and the preview button 1104 is pressed in S1008, the document set on the document table is read by the scanner 115 in S1009. The read image data is stored in the image memory 113 in S1010, and the image data is displayed in the preview frame 1101 in S1011. In step S1012, two points of the preview frame 1101 are designated as necessary to trim a rectangular area having a diagonal line connecting the two points. The address information of the selected area is stored in the RAM 103. In step S <b> 1013, selection is made by pressing the position of the directory in which the image data read from the directory list 1102 is to be stored. Subsequently, a file name for storing the read image data in the computer is input from the character palette 1107. The file name input from the character palette 1107 is displayed in the file name display frame 1106 and can be confirmed. When these specifications are completed and the scan button 1103 is pressed in S1015, the area selected in S1012 of the read image data is read from the image memory 113 based on the address information stored in the RAM 103 and accessed together with the file name input in S1014. Transfer to computer and store in selected directory in computer memory.

  Next, the case where the control button 403 is pressed in S311 of FIG. 3 will be described.

  When the control button 403 is pressed in S311 in FIG. 3, the operation screen of the LCD 109 is switched to a screen for selecting a computer in FIG. The method for selecting a computer is the same as the selection operation in S501 to S505 and S1001 to S1005 described above, and is omitted here, but this establishes a connection with the computer. Thereafter, the LCD 109 switches to the screen of FIG. In the figure, 1201 is a computer screen display frame, 1202 is an image on a computer, 1203 is an enlarge icon, 1204 is a reduce icon, 1205 is a mouse click icon, 1206 is a screen scroll cursor icon, 1207 is a character palette for character input, Reference numeral 1208 denotes a cancel button for returning to the display of FIG. In the figure, the same content 1202 as the image displayed on the screen of the connected computer is displayed in the computer screen display frame. However, since the display device of a computer is generally larger, the image displayed in the computer display frame 1201 is limited to a part of the original image. In order to display the hidden area, the screen can be moved into the display frame by pressing the screen scroll icon 1206 to scroll the image. If the user wants to see the entire image, he presses the reduction icon 1204 to display the image in a reduced size. When it is desired to see a detailed portion, an enlarged image can be displayed by pressing an enlarge icon 1203. In order to use a pointing device such as a mouse on the computer side from the copier 1 side, the inside of the computer screen display frame 1201 is pressed to indicate the mouse cursor position to the computer from the image input device, and a mouse click icon 1205 is used. You can enter a mouse click. When character input is requested on the computer, it is possible to input characters from the character palette 1207. In these operations, the CPU 108 detects the user's operation on the touch panel 111 on the LCD 109 and judges the user's intended operation from the coordinate value, and changes the image display or performs character input. It is.

  In the software configuration on the computer side, as shown in FIG. 13, an interface program for the copying machine 1 is interposed between an OS (Operating System) and an application program. This interface program transfers the same data to the copying machine 1 when the application program passes image data to be drawn on the screen to the OS, and performs input operations such as mouse and key input sent from the copying machine 1 to the OS. In addition to event input from, it has a function to input to the application program.

  Upon receiving the computer display image, the copying machine 1 displays the image at a predetermined magnification and a size suitable for the computer screen display frame 1201. When an instruction for enlargement, reduction, scrolling, or the like is given by the user, the original display image is converted into a new display format and displayed on the screen display frame 1201. When the user presses the computer screen display frame 1201, the relative position with the currently displayed computer image is calculated, and the position is notified to the computer. On the computer side, the interface program inputs a mouse cursor movement event to the application program based on the coordinate position, and transmits the user's operation from the copying machine 1. The same applies to mouse clicks.

  Next, a case where operation control is performed using a removable storage medium such as a PC card or a floppy (registered trademark) disk will be described.

  In this case, when establishing a connection with the computer, a PC card or floppy (registered trademark) disk that has been set in advance is used. When a remote key is pressed from the operation key 112 in a state where no PC card or floppy (registered trademark) disk is inserted, a message prompting the user to insert a PC card or floppy (registered trademark) disk as a key is displayed on the LCD 109. When the user inserts a PC card or a floppy (registered trademark) disk, the CPU 101 confirms the insertion of the medium, accesses the contents of the medium, and extracts computer information to be accessed. The computer information includes the address of the computer and the identification code, password code, etc. of the user who owns the PC card or floppy disk, and the copying machine 1 uses this information to connect to the computer. It becomes possible to establish. The computer information can store a plurality of pieces of connection destination information on the same medium. When the CPU 101 confirms the storage of a plurality of pieces of connection information, the CPU 101 provides the user with a list of computers that can be connected. Request selection.

  In addition, information about the computer is not stored in the PC card or floppy (registered trademark) disk, but only the user information such as the user identification code and password code is stored in the PC card or floppy disk. However, when the user is specified by this user information and the connection with the computer can be established in S505 of FIG. 5 or S1005 of FIG. 10, the computer information may be stored in association with this user information. Then, by referring to the past access information of the user in the computer selection procedure shown in FIG. 14, a list of computers is created and presented in a specified manner from among the computers that the user has accessed. To perform the operation.

  When the connection destination is designated by the user or when the number of connection destinations is originally one, the CPU 101 tries to connect to the computer via the external interface 118. When the connection is established, the subsequent procedure is the same as that described above, and is omitted here. After the connection with the computer is thus established, the file on the computer is printed or the computer is operated as described above.

  Regarding the writing of personal information of the computer and the user to the PC card or floppy disk used here, the user usually inserts the PC card or floppy disk into the computer that the user uses. By writing the network connection password together with the data writing program, a PC card and a floppy (registered trademark) disk for use as a key in the copying machine 1 are created.

  The PC card or floppy (registered trademark) disk used here may be any medium that can store and save information for computer connection and can be carried by the user, such as a magnetic card, an IC card, Even an optical card or even a portable terminal can be used by providing an interface for the media in the copying machine 1.

  When the computer is accessed by this method, in addition to the above-described access release method, when the PC card 105 or the floppy (registered trademark) disk 119 is taken out from the copying machine 1, the CPU 101 detects this and detects it to the computer. Operates to release access.

  According to the copying machine 1 as described above, a desired computer can be accessed from the copying machine 1 side, image data of a file managed by this computer can be extracted and printed out. Further, since it is possible to print out after previewing, erroneous image data is not printed out. Moreover, since access to a computer is permitted by inputting a password or inserting a storage medium storing the password, confidentiality can be protected. Then, it is possible to immediately release access to the computer according to a user instruction.

  Further, even when the user forgets to give an instruction to cancel access, the access is automatically canceled by a predetermined timer so that the user is not left in an access state, and confidentiality can be improved.

  Further, even when the user disappears due to the infrared sensor, the access can be automatically canceled.

  In addition, when accessing a computer using a storage medium that holds connection information, the storage medium is regarded as a key, and the access is canceled when the storage medium is removed. Can be made.

  Further, it becomes possible to operate by selecting either the slave mode or the master mode as required.

  Further, the read image data can be stored in a desired computer by reading and transferring a document in accordance with an instruction from the copying machine 1. At this time, the file name can also be input from the copying machine 1.

  Further, a desired computer can be operated from the copying machine 1.

  Further, when accessing a desired computer from the copier 1 side, a computer list is presented only to computers that have been accessed in the past, thereby facilitating the selection of the computer frequently used by the user. Can do.

  In addition, when accessing a computer using a storage medium holding user information, it is further easy to select a computer by presenting a list of computers consisting only of access destinations specific to the user from the user information of the storage medium. Can be.

  Further, the present invention can be applied to other devices capable of storing data indicating a program for controlling the operation described above in a removable storage medium such as a magneto-optical disk, and reading and controlling the data.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copying machine as an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a connection example of the copying machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the copying machine 1. It is a figure which shows the display screen for selecting the processing content. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print processing in a master mode of the copying machine. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of print processing in a master mode of the copying machine. It is a figure which shows the display screen for selecting a computer. It is a figure which shows the display screen for selecting a file. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the process by the side of the computer concerning a file transfer process. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of scan processing in a master mode of the copying machine. It is a figure which shows the display screen in the case of a scanning process. 3 is a diagram showing a display screen when the copying machine 1 controls a computer. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an interface program with a copying machine 1 on a computer side. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of host computer selection processing in the master mode of the copying machine 1; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external appearance of a configuration of an operation unit of the copying machine.

Explanation of symbols

101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 PC Card Interface 105 PC Card 106 Floppy (Registered Trademark) Disk Drive Interface 107 Floppy (Registered Trademark) Disk Drive 108 Liquid Crystal Display Controller 109 Liquid Crystal Display 110 Key Input Interface 111 Touch Panel 112 Operation Key 113 Image Memory 114 Scanner Interface 115 Scanner 116 Printer Interface 117 Printer 118 External Interface 119 Floppy (Registered Trademark) Disk 120 Infrared Sensor

Claims (26)

Reading means for reading a document image, connection means for connecting to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, and transfer means for transferring image data read by the reading means to the computer network via the connection means In the image processing apparatus,
Designating means for designating one of the computers connected to the computer network via an operation panel provided in the image processing apparatus and one of a plurality of directories for storing image data in the computer;
Reading instruction means for instructing reading by the reading means via the operation panel;
Setting means for setting a file name when saving the image data as a file in a directory format to the image data read by the reading means;
Based on the instruction from the reading instruction unit, the image data read by the reading unit is controlled to be transferred by the transfer unit so as to be stored in the computer directory specified by the specifying unit together with the file name set by the setting unit. And an image processing apparatus.   2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designating unit designates a computer and a directory based on directory information for storing a file by the computer displayed on the operation panel by inputting a predetermined password. . Furthermore, it has a reading means for reading the contents of a removable storage medium for storing information for designating the computer by the designation means,
3. The designation unit according to claim 1, wherein when the storage medium is set in the image processing apparatus, a computer is designated by reading out the contents stored in the storage medium by the reading unit. The image processing apparatus described.   4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising means for canceling communication with the computer designated by the designation means when the storage medium is removed.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising status display means for displaying whether or not the computer designated by the designation means is being accessed.   2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: detecting means for detecting whether or not an operator exists; and releasing means for canceling communication with the transfer destination specified by the specifying means based on detection by the detecting means. 6. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 5 above.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the transfer history.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the specifying unit specifies a computer based on a history stored in the storage unit.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit sets a file name input based on a manual operation using the operation panel.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a preview unit that displays a preview of the image data read by the reading unit before being transferred by the transfer unit.   11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for designating a part of the image data read by the reading means, wherein the transfer means transfers the designated part of the image data. An image processing apparatus according to 1. Reading means for reading a document image, connection means for connecting to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, transfer means for transferring image data read by the reading means to the computer network via the connection means, and operation A method for controlling an image processing apparatus having an operation panel for inputting operation information by a person,
A designation step of designating one of the computers connected to the computer network via the operation panel and one of a plurality of directories for storing image data in the computer;
A reading instruction step for instructing reading by the reading means via the operation panel; and a setting step for setting a file name when saving the image data as a file in a directory format to the image data read in the reading step;
Control for controlling the image data read by the reading means based on the instruction in the reading instruction step to be transferred by the transfer means so as to be stored in the directory of the computer designated in the designation step together with the file name set in the setting step. A control method for an image processing apparatus. Reading means for reading a document image, connection means for connecting to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, and transfer means for transferring image data read by the reading means to the computer network via the connection means In the image processing apparatus,
Display means for displaying a list of transfer destinations by the transfer means on an operation panel provided in the image processing apparatus;
Specifying means for specifying a transfer destination from the list displayed by the display means;
Reading instruction means for instructing reading by the reading means via the operation panel;
Setting means for setting a file name when saving the image data as a file in a directory format to the image data read by the reading means;
Control means for controlling image data read by the reading means based on an instruction from the reading instruction means to be transferred by the transfer means to a transfer destination specified by the specifying means together with a file name set by the setting means;
An image processing apparatus comprising: a copy processing unit that outputs image data read by the reading unit to a printing unit connected without the reading unit and the computer network.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the specifying unit directly accesses a transfer destination specified as the transfer destination.   15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the specifying unit specifies a computer and a directory in which the computer stores a file as the transfer destination.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the specifying unit acquires directory information for storing a file by a transfer destination specified by inputting a predetermined password. Furthermore, it has a reading means for reading the contents of a removable storage medium for storing information for specifying a desired transfer destination by the specifying means,
17. The device according to claim 13, wherein, when the storage medium is set, the specifying unit specifies a transfer destination by reading the content stored in the storage medium with the reading unit. The image processing apparatus described.   18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising means for canceling communication with the transfer destination specified by the specifying means when the storage medium is removed.   19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising status display means for displaying whether or not the transfer destination specified by the specifying means is being accessed.   Furthermore, it has a detection means which detects whether an operator exists, and a cancellation | release means which cancels | releases communication with the transfer destination specified by the said specific means based on the detection of the said detection means. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 19.   21. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising storage means for storing the transfer history.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the specifying unit specifies a transfer destination based on a history stored in the storage unit.   23. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the setting unit sets a file name input based on a manual operation using the operation panel.   24. The image processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising preview means for displaying a preview of the image data read by the reading means before being transferred by the transfer means.   25. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising means for designating a part of the image data read by the reading means, wherein the transfer means transfers the designated part of the image data. An image processing apparatus according to 1. Reading means for reading a document image, connection means for connecting to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, transfer means for transferring image data read by the reading means to the computer network via the connection means, and operation A method for controlling an image processing apparatus having an operation panel for inputting operation information by a person,
A display step of displaying a list of transfer destinations by the transfer means on the operation panel;
A specific step of identifying a transfer destination from the list displayed in the display step;
A reading instruction step for instructing reading by the reading means via the operation panel; and a setting step for setting a file name when saving the image data as a file in a directory format to the image data read in the reading step;
A control step for controlling the transfer unit to transfer the image data read by the reading unit based on an instruction in the reading instruction step to the transfer destination specified in the specific step together with the file name set in the setting step;
A control method for an image processing apparatus, comprising: a copy processing step of outputting image data read by the reading unit to a printing unit connected to the reading unit without going through the computer network.

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