JP2005229520A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of acquiring all of information for a content (including moving video and music data etc.), and transmitting information selected by a user to a forwarding destination specified by the user. <P>SOLUTION: The printer according to the present invention comprises a facsimile module capable of transmitting and receiving a facsimile, an E-mail transmission/reception module capable of transmitting and receiving an E-mail, an Internet connection module capable of connecting to an Internet, a download module for downloading a content uploaded on the Internet, a content interpretation module capable of interpreting the text of the downloaded content and separating for each arbitrary information included in the content, an information storage module capable of storing the content obtained by the download module and the information separated by the interpretation module, and a control module for receiving instructions from a user. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

  Conventional printers can only print content even if the content is acquired by accessing the Internet. The text included in the content cannot be transmitted to the user's e-mail address, and the image data cannot be transmitted to the FAX (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  In the future, it is conceivable that a lot of information that is far from printing, such as voice and video, will be included in the content. For example, when there is music data in the content, it is preferable that the user can acquire the music data at the same time as printing.

LBP-l820 / l620 simple operation guide, Canon Inc., 2002

  These problems can be solved if the printer acquires all information (including moving images, music data, etc.) of the content and can transmit the information selected by the user to the transfer destination designated by the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of transferring data in accordance with the use of data.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a fax module capable of sending and receiving faxes, an e-mail sending and receiving module capable of sending and receiving e-mail, an Internet connection module capable of connecting to the Internet, Acquired by the download module that downloads content uploaded on the Internet, a content interpretation module that can interpret the contents of the downloaded content and separate it into arbitrary information contained in the content, and the download module An information storage module capable of storing content, information separated by the interpretation module, and the like, and an operation unit module that receives an instruction from a user are provided.
Is provided in the printing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, the user can transfer the content acquired by the printer from the Internet to an arbitrary destination, and the user selects the data to be transferred, whereby the text data is sent to the e-mail and the image data is sent to the FAX. As expected, it is possible to transfer data according to the purpose of the data.

  In addition, since the printer acquires all the information included in the Internet content (for example, music data not related to printing), the user can select other information that is not related to printing if necessary. It can be transferred to the device.

  Furthermore, the load on the entire network can be reduced by selecting the information to be transferred.

Before describing the configuration of the present embodiment, the configuration of a multifunction printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) suitable for applying the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Needless to say, the printer according to the present embodiment is not limited to a laser beam printer, and may be a printer of another printing method. Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The printer includes a document reading unit 2 at the top of the printer body 1 and a recording unit 3 at the bottom of the printer body 1.

First, the configuration of the document reading unit 2 will be described along the flow of a document (not shown).

The document is set on the document table 4. When the document set on the document table 4 is fed by the feed roller 5, it is transported at a constant speed by the transport roller pair 6. In this conveyance process, information on the lower surface of the document is sequentially read by the reading scanner 7. Image data read by the reading scanner 7 is recorded by an image data recording unit (not shown) such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and then recorded on a recording sheet by a recording unit 3 described later.

The document that has passed through the reading scanner 7 is conveyed by a pair of conveying rollers 8 and then discharged onto a discharge tray 10 outside the apparatus by a pair of discharge rollers 9.

Next, the configuration of the recording unit 3 will be described along the flow of the recording sheet S.

The recording paper S is set in the paper feed cassette 11. Alternatively, it is set on the paper feed tray 12. The paper feed cassette 11 and the paper feed tray 12 are selectively used by an operator. The plurality of recording sheets S set in the sheet feeding cassette 11 can be rotated in the vertical direction around the support shaft 13 on the rear end side, and the front end side is pushed up by the push-up spring 14. It is loaded on the middle plate 15. The plurality of recording sheets S set on the sheet feeding tray 12 can be rotated in the vertical direction around the support shaft 16 on the rear end side, and the front end side is pushed up by the push-up spring 17. It is loaded on the intermediate plate 18.

The recording paper S set in the paper feed cassette 11 is fed out in order from the uppermost recording paper by a half-moon feeding roller 19 that rotates once counterclockwise. The recording sheets S set on the sheet feeding tray 12 are also fed out in order from the uppermost recording sheet by the feeding roller 20 that rotates once in the clockwise direction.

The recording sheet S fed out from the sheet feeding cassette 11 or the sheet feeding tray 12 is transferred to a photosensitive drum 22 and a transfer roller rotated by the photosensitive drum 22 by a large-diameter conveying roller 21 rotating counterclockwise. 23 is transferred to the transfer section.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 22 is sequentially transferred (recorded) by the transfer roller 23 onto the recording paper S passing through the transfer portion. A toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 22 rotating in the clockwise direction as follows. That is, the laser scanner 24 emits a laser beam (light image) L based on information sent from a computer or the like. The laser light L is folded back by the folding mirror 25 and projected onto the photosensitive drum 22. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is sequentially formed on the photosensitive drum 22 rotating in the clockwise direction, and this electrostatic latent image is supplied from a developing device (not shown) built in the process cartridge 26. The toner image is visualized to form a toner image.

The recording sheet S after the transfer of the toner image in the transfer unit is sent to the fixing device 27, and is heated and pressed in the process of passing through the nip between the fixing roller 27a and the pressure roller 27b to fix the toner image. Processing is done.

The recording paper S for which the fixing process of the toner image has been completed in the fixing device 27 is sent to the paper discharge roller pair 28 and is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 29 outside the apparatus by the paper discharge roller pair 28.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 2000 denotes a host computer, which is a CPU 1 that executes document processing in which graphics, images, characters, tables (including spreadsheets), etc. are mixed based on a document processing program stored in a program ROM of ROM3. The CPU 1 generally controls each device connected to the system device 4.

  The ROM 3 program ROM stores a control program of the CPU 1, the ROM 3 font ROM stores font data used for the document processing, and the ROM 3 data ROM stores the document. Stores various data used for processing and the like. Reference numeral 2 denotes a RAM which functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 1.

  A keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls key input from a keyboard 9 or a pointing device (not shown). Reference numeral 6 denotes a CRT controller (CRTC) which controls display on a CRT display (CRT) 10. A memory controller (MC) 7 controls access to the external memory 11 such as a hard disk (HD) or floppy disk (FD) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edit files, and the like. A printer controller (PRTC) 8 is connected to the printer 1000 via a predetermined bidirectional interface (interface) 21 and executes communication control processing with the printer 1000.

  The CPU 1 executes, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on the display information RAM set on the RAM 2 to enable WYSIWYG on the CRT 10. The CPU 1 opens various windows registered based on commands instructed by a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 10 and executes various data processing.

  In the printer 1000, reference numeral 12 denotes a printer CPU that accesses various devices connected to the system bus 15 based on a control program stored in the program ROM of the ROM 13 or a control program stored in the external memory 14. The scanner unit (scanner) connected to the printing unit (printer engine) 17 connected via the printing unit interface 16 outputs an image signal as output information or meets the scanner unit IF. The engine) processes input information from 24. The program ROM of the ROM 13 may store a control program for the CPU 12 as shown in the flowchart of the first embodiment.

  The font ROM of the ROM 13 stores font data used when generating the output information, and the ROM 13 data ROM is used on the host computer in the case of a printer without the external memory 14 such as a hard disk. Information to be stored is stored. The CPU 12 can communicate with the host computer via the network IF 18 and can notify the host computer 2000 of information in the printer. The network IF 18 is connected to the network communication path 25 so as to be able to access the Internet 3000.

  Reference numeral 19 denotes a RAM that functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 12, and is configured so that the memory capacity can be expanded by an optional RAM connected to an expansion port (not shown). The RAM 19 is used as an output information expansion area, environment data storage area, NVRAM, and the like.

Access to the above-described external memory 14 such as a hard disk (HD) or IC card is controlled by a memory controller (MC) 20. The external memory 14 is connected as an option and stores font data, an emulation program, form data, and the like. Reference numeral 18 denotes a switch for operation on the operation panel described above, an LED display, and the like.

Further, the number of external memories is not limited to one, and at least one external memory is provided so that an optional font card and a plurality of external memories storing programs for interpreting printer control languages with different language systems can be connected in addition to the built-in font. It may be configured. Further, an NVRAM (not shown) may be provided to store printer mode setting information from the operation panel 1012. An original reading unit 21 generates image data by reading out an original or the like.

  First, it is assumed that the printer according to the present embodiment accesses the Internet at a preset time and downloads content existing at a preset URL. In this embodiment, the description will be made assuming that the content is news (content) distributed on the Internet.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the printer in this embodiment downloads news on the Internet and stores it in the printer.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order according to this flowchart.

  In step S301, the printer checks whether it is a news download start time (preset), and if it is a download time, the process proceeds to step S303, otherwise proceeds to step S302.

  In step S302, the printer performs another process unrelated to the download process.

  In step S303, the URL information to be accessed is acquired. This is preset and stored in the printer.

  In step S304, the printer accesses the URL included in the information acquired in step S303.

  In step S305, news is acquired from the accessed URL. That is, all the hypertexts constituting the news and the information linked from the hypertexts are acquired and secured in the storage area inside the printer.

  In step S306, the acquired data is grouped. For example, text data is text data, image data is image data, and the like. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In step S307, the fact that new news has been acquired is recorded as information inside the printer.

  In step S308, in order to notify the user of news secured in the printer, for example, the contents of the news, the delivery date and time, etc. are displayed in a list on the printer operation unit.

  The above is the processing procedure when the printer of this embodiment acquires content on the Internet.

  Next, details of the process of step S306 in FIG. 3 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing performed in step S306 of FIG.

  In step S401, the hypertext link information is checked.

  In step S402, if the link destination information is text data, the process proceeds to step S403, and if not, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S403, the text data of the link destination is stored inside the printer. At this time, the text data linked from the hypertext is stored while being linked. FIG. 5 shows how to link this link.

  In step S404, if the link destination information is image data, the process proceeds to step S405. If not, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S405, the linked image data is stored inside the printer. At this time, the image data linked from the hypertext is stored while being linked. FIG. 5 shows how to link this link.

  In step S406, if the link destination information is moving image data, the process proceeds to step S407, and if not, the process proceeds to step S408.

  In step S407, the linked moving image data is stored inside the printer. At this time, the moving image data linked from the hypertext is stored while being linked. FIG. 5 shows how to link this link.

  In step S408, it is checked whether the hypertext has been referred to the end. When the end is referred, this processing is terminated. If it is not yet terminated, the process returns to step S401 to continue checking the hypertext link information.

  The above is the processing when the printer of this embodiment acquires news on the Internet and stores it in the printer. The news (contents) acquired by the printer in this way is stored in the printer as shown in FIG.

  News (contents) acquired by the printer is indicated by hypertexts 501 to 508 (all of 501 to 508 are one hypertext, and each of 501, 502, 503,..., 508 means a hyperlink). Actually, a plurality of such hypertexts are stored in the printer.

  The hypertext 500 is information added by the printer itself so that the printer stores the hypertext information. Links to 500-509,514,518 are established. Reference numerals 509, 514, and 518 denote entry pointers to the text data list, the image data list, and the moving image data list, respectively.

  In the text data list (510 to 512) indicated by the entry pointer 509, text data appearing as link destination information is sequentially arranged when referring from the top to the end of the hypertext. Links are established between each other.

  Similarly, image data linked from hypertext is linked to the image data list (515-516) pointed to by the entry pointer 514, and moving image data list (519-n) pointed to by the entry pointer 518 is linked from the hypertext. The moving image data is arranged in order from the top, and a link is established before and after.

  Reference numerals 513, 517, and 512 denote information indicating the end of the text data list, the image data list, and the moving image data list, respectively.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the printer in this embodiment transfers news (content) stored in the printer in accordance with a user instruction.

  In step S601, the printer displays a list of news (contents) stored therein to the user.

  In step S602, the user instructs the printer to refer to news.

  In step S603, the printer checks the user's instruction. In the case of printing, the process proceeds to step S604. Otherwise, the process proceeds to step S606. Proceeding with step 604 is no different from conventional printing processing.

  In step S604, the printer converts the news (content) selected by the user into printable intermediate data.

  In step S605, the printer develops the intermediate data into an output image and performs printing.

  In step S606, the printer checks the user's instruction. In the case of transfer, the process proceeds to step S607; otherwise, the process returns to step S601.

  In step S607, the printer prompts the user to input a news transfer destination.

  In step S608, the printer prompts the user to select information to be transferred. For example, in the case of news as shown in FIG. 5, there are three choices of information to be transferred: “text data”, “image data”, and “moving image data”. FIG. 8 shows an example of a dialog displayed on the operation unit of the printer in such a case.

  In step S609, the printer checks whether the user has finished setting for transfer. If the completion is confirmed, the process returns to step S610. If the confirmation is not possible, the process returns to step S606 to continue the transfer information input process by the user.

  In step S610, the printer transfers only the information selected by the user from the news (content) referred to by the user to the transfer destination designated by the user. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the transfer process of the printer in more detail. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S701, the printer acquires transfer destination information designated by the user.

  In step S <b> 702, the printer acquires information on data selected by the user and desired to be transferred.

  In step S703, the printer checks whether the user wishes to transfer text data. If it is determined that the user desires, the process proceeds to step S704, and if not, the process proceeds to step S708.

  In step S703, the printer refers to an entry pointer (509) to which text data is linked (see 509 in FIG. 5; the same applies hereinafter).

  In step S705, the printer updates the data to be referred from the entry pointer (509) to the next reference pointer (510).

  In step S706, the printer checks whether the reference pointer is end data (513). If it is end data, the process proceeds to step S708; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S707.

  In step S707, the text data held by the reference pointer is transferred to the transfer destination acquired in step S701.

Steps S708 to S712 are the same as those for the text data, and steps S713 to S717 are the same as the text data for the video data.
Since both processes are the same as steps S703 to S707, description thereof is omitted. When the processing from step S703 to step S717 ends, the transfer processing ends.

  The present invention can be applied to a printing apparatus to enable transfer suitable for the purpose of data.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer control system in an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention acquires content on the Internet. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention groups content acquired from the Internet for each data. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data actually stored when the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention stores content on the Internet. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a user requests content transfer to the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating details of a printer transfer process according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog displayed on the operation unit by the printer according to the embodiment of the present invention in step S608 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer main body 2 Original reading part 3 Image data recording part 4 Original stand 5 Feeding roller 6 Carrying roller 7 Reading scanner 8 Carrying roller pair 9 Paper discharge roller pair 10 Paper discharge tray 11 Paper feed cassette 12 Paper feed cassette 13 Support shaft 14 Push-up Spring 15 Middle plate 16 Support shaft 17 Push-up spring 18 Middle plate 19 Feeding roller 20 Feeding roller 21 Transport roller 22 Photosensitive drum 23 Transfer roller 24 Laser scanner 25 Folding mirror 26 Process cartridge 27 Fixing device 27a Fixing roller 27b Pressure roller 28 Paper delivery Roller pair 29 Output tray L Laser light S Recording paper

Claims (6)

  A fax module capable of sending and receiving faxes, an e-mail sending and receiving module capable of sending and receiving e-mails, an Internet connection module capable of connecting to the Internet, a download module for downloading contents uploaded on the Internet, and a download Content interpretation module that can interpret the contents of the content and separate it for each arbitrary information included in the content, and the contents acquired by the download module and the information separated by the interpretation module can be stored A printing apparatus comprising: an information storage module; and an operation unit module that receives an instruction from a user.   The content interpretation module reads and interprets content downloaded from the Internet by the download module, separates text, images, video, audio, and the like included in the content, and separates each information from the original content. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus stores the data in a storage module.   The operation unit module shows a list of contents stored in the storage module to the user, and if the user desires, the selected content can be transferred to an arbitrary destination. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further urging the user to input transfer destination information such as a user e-mail address and a fax number.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the operation unit module causes the user to determine which information in the content is to be transferred when content transfer destination information is input from the user.   The operation unit module allows the user to determine which of text, image, video, audio, etc. included in the content is to be transferred when content transfer destination information is input from the user. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.   The download module uses the Internet connection module at an arbitrary time to access and download any content on the Internet, and further stores the content in the information storage module by passing through the interpretation module. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

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