JP2006229859A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate the need for decoding the file as a whole, when referencing operation to a header part is only required, for eliminated degradation in performance at referencing, by not masking the header part relating to encryption of storage information. <P>SOLUTION: An image printer comprises an image reading part, image processing part, and image printing part capable of printing images. With an image encrypting part included, a region which is not encrypted can be generated by masking a part of the data, when encrypting it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to security of an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus that performs encryption processing when an image itself is encrypted and stored in a hard disk or the like.

In an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer that forms an image by attaching a developer to a latent image formed on a recording medium, all data transferred to the encryption processing unit when the information is encrypted (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-161022

  However, for example, there is a case where a header in which information is embedded is added to each data block with respect to the exchange of image data, and the processing is influenced by the header.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above points. When the header information is stored without being encrypted and only the header information is referred to, the process can be performed without going through the decryption process every time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus that can be used.

  An image forming apparatus including an image reading unit, an image processing unit, and an image printing unit capable of printing an image includes an image encryption processing unit, and masks a part of the data when encrypting the data. According to the image forming apparatus, an unencrypted area can be created.

  According to the present invention, since the header information is stored without being encrypted, when it is desired to refer to only the header information, the processing can be performed without going through the decryption processing every time.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to examples.

<Example 1>
The overall configuration of a conventional image input / output system will be described with reference to FIG.

  A reader unit (image input device) 200 optically reads a document image and converts it into image data. The reader unit 200 includes a scanner unit 210 having a function for reading a document and a document feeding unit 250 having a function for transporting a document sheet.

  A printer unit (image output device) 300 conveys recording paper, prints image data as a visible image thereon, and discharges the recording paper out of the device. The printer unit 300 includes a paper feed unit 310 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, a marking unit 320 having a function of transferring and fixing image data onto the recording paper, and sorting and stapling the printed recording papers. And a paper discharge unit 330 having a function of outputting to

  The control device 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and is further connected to host computers 401 and 402 and a server 410 via the network 400.

  The control device 110 controls the reader unit 200 to read image data of a document, and controls the printer unit 300 to output the image data to a recording sheet to provide a copy function. Further, the scanner function that converts the image data read from the reader unit 200 into code data and transmits it to the host computer via the network 400, the code data received from the host computer via the network 400 into image data, A printer function for outputting to the printer unit 300 is provided.

  The operation unit 180 is connected to the control device 110, is configured with a liquid crystal touch panel, and provides a user I / F for operating the image input / output system.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300. The document feeding unit 250 of the reader unit feeds the documents one by one on the platen glass 211 in order from the top, and discharges the document on the platen glass 211 after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the lamp 212 is turned on, and the movement of the optical unit 213 is started to expose and scan the document. Reflected light from the original at this time is guided to a CCD image sensor (hereinafter referred to as CCD) 218 by mirrors 214, 215, and 216 and a lens 217. Thus, the scanned image of the original is read by the CCD 218.

  A reader image processing circuit unit 222 performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the CCD 218 and outputs the processed image data to the control device 110 via the scanner I / F 140. A printer image processing circuit unit 352 outputs an image signal sent from the control device 110 to the laser driver via the printer I / F 145.

  A laser driver 317 of the printer unit 300 drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316, and laser light corresponding to the image data output from the printer image processing unit 352 is emitted from the laser light emitting units 313, 314, and 315. 316 is caused to emit light. This laser light is irradiated to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328 by mirrors 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, and the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, 328, A latent image corresponding to the laser beam is formed at 328. 321, 322, 323, and 324 are developing units for developing a latent image with black (Bk), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. The toner is transferred to a sheet and printed out in full color.

  A sheet fed from one of the sheet cassettes 360 and 361 and the manual feed tray 362 at a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation is attracted onto the transfer belt 334 via the registration roller 333 and conveyed. Then, the developer attached to the photosensitive drums 325, 326, 327, and 328 is transferred to a recording sheet. The recording paper on which the developer is placed is conveyed to the fixing unit 335, and the developer is fixed on the image recording paper by the heat and pressure of the fixing unit 335. The recording paper that has passed through the fixing unit 335 is discharged by the discharge roller 336, and the paper discharge unit 370 bundles the discharged recording paper and sorts the recording paper, or staples the sorted recording paper.

  If double-sided recording is set, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 336 and then the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336 is reversed and guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 by the flapper 337. The recording sheet guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above.

<Description of Reader Image Processing Unit>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of the reader image processing unit 222.

  In the reader image processing unit 222, the original on the platen glass 211 is read by the CCD 218 and converted into an electrical signal (in the case of a color sensor, the RGB color filter is mounted inline in RGB order on the one-line CCD. It may be a three-line CCD, in which an R filter, a G filter, and a B filter are arranged for each CCD, or the filter may be on-chip or the filter may be configured separately from the CCD. ). Then, the electric signal (analog image signal) is input to the image processing unit 222, and clamp & Amp. & S / H & A / D unit 401 holds the sample (S / H), clamps the dark level of the analog image signal to the reference potential, and amplifies it to a predetermined amount (the above processing order is not limited to the notation order). D-converted and converted into, for example, RGB 8-bit digital signals. The RGB signals are subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 402 and then output to the control device 110.

<Description of control device>
The function of the control device 110 will be described based on the block diagram shown in FIG.

  The main controller 111 mainly includes a CPU 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits.

  The CPU 112 and the bus controller 113 control the overall operation of the control device 110, and the CPU 112 operates based on a program read from the ROM 120 via the ROM I / F 121. The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from the host computer and developing it into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by software. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and performs arbitration at the time of bus contention and control of DMA data transfer.

  The DRAM 122 is connected to the main controller 111 by a DRAM I / F 123 and is used as a work area for the CPU 112 to operate and an area for storing image data. The asynchronous serial communication controller 114 transmits and receives control commands to and from the CPUs of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 via the serial buses 172 and 173, and performs communication of a touch panel and key input of the operation unit 180.

  The network controller 125 is connected to the main controller 111 through an I / F 127 and is connected to an external network through a connector 126. The network is generally Ethernet (registered trademark). The serial connector 124 is connected to the main controller 111 and communicates with an external device. A USB is generally used as the serial bus.

  The FAN 128 is connected to the main controller 111 and is used to cool the controller unit 110. The temperature monitoring IC 142 is connected to the main controller 111 by a serial bus 143. The temperature monitoring IC 142 is used for controlling the FAN 128, correcting the temperature of the real-time clock module 137, and the like.

  The general-purpose high-speed bus 130 is connected to an expansion connector 135 for connecting an expansion board, an I / O control unit 126, an HD controller 131, and a Codec 133. A general-purpose high-speed bus is a PCI bus.

  The Codec 133 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 122 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and conversely decompresses the code data compressed and stored into raster image data. The SRAM 134 is used as a temporary work area of the Codec 133. Data transfer to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA-transferred.

  The HD controller 131 is for connecting an external storage device. In this embodiment, the hard disk drive 132 is connected via this I / F. The hard disk 132 is used for storing programs and storing image data. The I / O control unit 126 controls the data bus 144 and controls the port 145 and the interrupt 146.

  The panel I / F 141 is connected to the LCD controller 140 and includes an I / F for displaying on the liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 180 and a key input I / F 171 for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. Is done. The operation unit 180 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or hard key is transmitted to the CPU 112 via the panel I / F 171 described above, and the liquid crystal display unit displays image data sent from the panel I / F 141. The liquid crystal display unit displays function display, image data, and the like in the operation of the image forming apparatus.

  The real-time clock module 137 is for updating / saving the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 138. The SRAM 139 is backed up by a backup battery 138 and stores user mode, various setting information, file management information of the hard disk drive 132, and the like.

  The graphic processor 151 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output on the image data stored in the DRAM 122. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor 151. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA-transferred.

  The connectors 160 and 155 are connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, respectively, and are composed of a synchronized step-synchronized serial I / F (173, 172) and a video I / F (163, 162). The scanner image processing 157 is connected to the reader unit 200 via the connector 160 and is connected to the graphic processor 151 via the scanner bus 161 and has a function of performing a predetermined process on the image received from the reader unit 200. Further, it has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the reader unit 200 to the scanner bus 161.

  The FIFO 158 is connected to the scanner image processing 157, and is used to perform line correction of the video signal sent from the reader unit 200. The printer image processing 153 is connected to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155, and is connected to the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156. The printer unit 153 performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the graphic processor 151, and performs the printer unit. And a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 300 to the printer bus 162.

  The DRAM 154 is connected to the printer image processing 153, and is used to delay the video signal for a predetermined time. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit is controlled by the bus controller 113, and is DMA-transferred to the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing 153, and the connector 155.

<Description of Scanner Image Processing Unit>
The scanner image processing 157 will be described in detail. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a portion responsible for the scanner image processing 157.

  For the image signal sent from the reader unit 200 via the connector 160, the connection & MTF correction unit 601 adjusts the delay amount for each line according to the reading speed, and corrects the MTF that has changed according to the reading speed. When the CCD 218 is a 3-line CCD, the connecting process corrects the signal timing so that the reading positions of the 3 lines are the same. The FIFO 158 is used as a line delay buffer. The digital signal whose reading position timing is corrected is corrected by the input masking unit 602 for the spectral characteristics of the CCD 218 and the spectral characteristics of the lamp 212 and the mirrors 214, 215 and 216. The output of the input masking unit 602 is sent to the ACS count unit 405 and the graphic processor 151.

<Description of ACS Count Unit>
The ACS (auto color select) count unit will be described with reference to FIG.

  Auto color select (hereinafter, ACS) determines whether a document is color or monochrome. That is, color determination is performed based on the number of pixels that are equal to or greater than a threshold value for which the saturation for each pixel is obtained. However, even for a black and white original, due to the influence of MTF and the like, when viewed microscopically, there are a large number of color pixels around the edge, and it is difficult to simply perform ACS determination on a pixel basis. Although various methods are provided for this ACS method, in this embodiment, since it is not particular to the ACS method, a description will be given by a very general method.

  As described above, since there are a large number of color pixels when viewed microscopically even in a black-and-white image, whether or not the pixel is really a color pixel is determined based on information on the surrounding color pixels with respect to the pixel of interest. There is a need. Reference numeral 501 denotes a filter for this purpose, which has a FIFO structure in order to refer to surrounding pixels with respect to the target pixel. Reference numeral 502 denotes a circuit that creates an area signal 505 to be subjected to ACS based on the values set in the registers 507 to 510 set from the main controller 111 and the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. A color determination unit 503 refers to a peripheral pixel in the memory in the filter 501 with respect to the target pixel based on the area signal 505 to which ACS is applied, and determines a color for determining whether the target pixel is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel. It is a judgment part. A counter 504 counts the number of color determination signals output from the color determination unit 503.

  The main controller 111 determines an area to be subjected to ACS with respect to the reading range, and sets it in the registers 507 to 510 (in this embodiment, the range is determined independently for the document). Further, the main controller 111 compares the value of the counter that counts the number of color determination signals in the area to which ACS is applied with a predetermined threshold value, and determines whether the document is color or monochrome.

  In the registers 507 to 510, the position where the color determination unit 503 starts the determination and the position where the determination ends in each of the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction based on the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. Set it. In this embodiment, each size is set to be about 10 mm smaller than the actual size of the original.

<Description of Printer Image Processing Unit>
A detailed description will be given with respect to the portion responsible for the printer image processing 153. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the printer image processing 153.

  An image signal sent from the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156 is first input to the LOG conversion unit 701. The LOG converter 701 converts RGB signals to CMY signals by LOG conversion. Next, moire is removed by the moire removing unit 702. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK signal from the CMY signal that has undergone moire removal processing by UCR processing, and the masking processing unit corrects the CMY signal to a signal that matches the output of the printer. The signal processed by the UCR & masking unit 703 is subjected to density adjustment by the γ correction unit 704 and then smoothed or edge processed by the filter unit 705. In order to correct the distance between the photosensitive drums 321 to 324 by the output switching 706, an image is temporarily stored in the DRAM 154 for each CMYK image, and the image in which the distance between the drums is corrected is transferred to the printer unit 300 via the connector 155. Take. Reference numeral 707 denotes a video count unit for cumulatively counting the replenishment amounts of Y, M, C, and K toners.

<Description of Video Count Processing Unit>
FIG. 34 shows details of the video count unit 707.

  For each video input in Y, M, C, and K, the toner amount is estimated from the density in the look-up table of 10201, 10202, 10203, and 10204, and the output of each video is page by page 10205, 10206, 10207, and 10208. And the respective outputs are stored in the toner integrated amount storage units 10109, 10110, 10111, and 10112 for each page. Data stored in the toner accumulation amount storage unit is read in software, and toner amount control and toner supply control for each color are performed.

<Description of Graphic Processor>
Detailed description of the graphic processor 151 will be given. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the graphic processor 135.

  The graphic processor 151 includes modules for performing image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area for each module via the DRAM controller 808. The work area is statically allocated in advance for each module so that the work area of the DRAM 152 used by each module does not compete. The graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and data transfer to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and is DMA-transferred.

  The bus controller 113 performs control for setting a mode and the like for each module of the graphic processor 151 and timing control for transferring image data to each module.

  The input interface 810 inputs the image data input from the I / F 150 to the CrossBerSwitch 809. The image data format handles binary raster image data, multi-value raster image data, JPEG, and the like. In the case of a JPEG image, it is converted to raster image data by the input interface 810 and is output to CrossBerSwitch 809.

  The output interface 811 outputs the image data input from the CrossBerSwitch 809 to the I / F 150. Although the image data format input from the CrossBerSwitch 809 is raster image data, JPEG compression can be performed by the output interface 811 and data can be output to the I / F 150.

<Description of image rotation unit>
The processing procedure in the image rotation unit 801 is shown below.

  Settings for image rotation control are performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 makes settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction, angle, etc.) to the image rotation unit 801. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F. Here, the image size to be rotated is 32 pixels × 32 lines, and when transferring image data on the image bus 2008, image transfer is performed in units of 24 bytes (8 pixels for each RGB). And

  As described above, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels × 32 lines, it is necessary to perform the above unit data transfer 32 × 32 times, and it is necessary to transfer image data from discontinuous addresses.

  The image data transferred by the discontinuous addressing is written in the SRAM 136 so that it is rotated to a desired angle at the time of reading. For example, if the rotation is 90 degrees counterclockwise, the transferred image data is written in the Y direction. By reading in the X direction at the time of reading, the image is rotated.

  After the image rotation of 32 pixels × 32 lines (writing to the DRAM 152) is completed, the image rotation unit 801 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 by the above-described reading method, and transfers the image to the bus controller 113.

  The bus controller 113 that has received the rotated image data transfers the data to each device on the DRAM 122 or the I / F by continuous addressing.

  Such a series of processes is repeated until there is no processing request from the CPU 112 (when the necessary number of pages have been processed).

<Description of image scaling unit>
The processing procedure in the image scaling unit 802 is shown below.

  Setting for image scaling control is performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 151. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image scaling (magnification / magnification in the main scanning direction, magnification / magnification in the sub-scanning direction, image size after scaling, etc.) for the image scaling unit 802. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The image scaling unit 802 stores the received image data in the temporary DRAM 152, uses this as an input buffer, and uses the stored data as the number of pixels and lines necessary for the main scanning and sub-scanning scaling ratios. The scaling process is performed by enlarging or reducing the image by performing the interpolation processing for the amount of. The scaled data is written back to the DRAM 152 again, and this is used as an output buffer. The image scaling unit 802 reads the image data from the DRAM 152 and transfers it to the bus controller 113.

  The bus controller 113 that has received the scaled image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of Color Space Conversion Unit>
The processing procedure in the color space conversion unit 803 is shown below.

  Settings for color space conversion control are performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for color space conversion processing (matrix operation coefficients described later, table values of the LUT 804, etc.) for the color space conversion unit 803 and the LUT (look-up table) 804. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The color space conversion unit 803 first performs a 3 × 3 matrix operation represented by the following equation for each pixel of the received image data.

  In the above formula, R, G, B are input, X, Y, Z are output, a11, a12, a13, a21, a22, a23, a31, a32, a33, b1, b2, b3, c1, c2, c3 are Each is a coefficient.

  Various color space conversions such as conversion from the RGB color space to the Yuv color space can be performed by the calculation of the above equation.

  Next, conversion by the LUT 804 is performed on the data after the matrix calculation. Thereby, non-linear conversion can also be performed. Of course, LUT conversion can be substantially not performed by setting a through table.

  Thereafter, the color space conversion unit 803 transfers the image data subjected to the color space conversion processing to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the color space converted image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of Image Binarization Unit>
The processing procedure in the image binarization unit 805 is shown below.

  Setting for binarization control is performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for the binarization processing (various parameters and the like according to the conversion method) for the image binarization unit 805. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The image binarization unit 805 performs binarization processing on the received image data. In this embodiment, as a binarization method, image data is compared with a predetermined threshold value and is simply binarized. Of course, any method such as a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method may be used.

  Thereafter, the image binarization unit 805 transfers the binarized image data to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the binarized image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of scanner input section>
The processing procedure in the scanner input unit 806 is shown below.

  Settings for scanner input control are performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs necessary settings (various parameters and the like according to input processing) for the scanner input unit 806. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. Thereafter, image data is input to the scanner input unit 806 in synchronization with the synchronization signal input from the scanner image processing 157. The scanner input unit 806 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152 as an input buffer. Thereafter, the scanner input unit transfers the image stored in the DRAM 152 to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the scanner input image data transfers the data to the DRAM 122 or each device on the I / F.

<Description of printer output unit>
The processing procedure in the printer output unit 807 is shown below.

  Settings for printer output control are performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. With this setting, the bus controller 113 performs necessary settings (various parameters corresponding to the output processing) for the printer output unit 807. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 again permits image data transfer to the bus controller 113. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device connected via each I / F.

  The printer output unit 807 temporarily stores the received image data in the DRAM 152. Thereafter, the image stored in the DRAM 152 is output to the printer image processing unit 153 in accordance with the synchronization signal input from the printer image processing 153.

[software]
Overall System FIG. 9 shows a configuration diagram of the entire network system of the present invention. An apparatus 1001 according to the present invention includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later. An image read from the scanner can be sent to a local area network 1010 (hereinafter referred to as a LAN), and an image received from the LAN can be printed out by a printer. Further, the image read from the scanner can be transmitted to the PSTN or ISDN (1030) by a FAX transmission means (not shown), and the image received from the PSTN or ISDN can be printed out by the printer.

  Reference numeral 1002 denotes a database server that manages binary images and multi-valued images read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention as a database. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a database client of the database server 1002 that can browse / search image data stored in the database 1002. An e-mail server 1004 can receive an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention as an e-mail attachment. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client that can receive and browse e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and send e-mail.

  Reference numeral 1006 denotes a WWW server that provides an HTML document to the LAN, and the apparatus 1001 of the present invention can print out the HTML document provided by the WWW server. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a router that connects the LAN 1010 to the Internet / intranet 1012. The database server (1002), WWW server (1006), e-mail server (1004), and apparatus similar to the apparatus (1001) of the present invention are connected to the Internet / intranet as 1020, 1021, 1022, and 1023, respectively. ing. On the other hand, the apparatus 1001 of the present invention can transmit and receive with the FAX apparatus 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN (1030). A printer 1040 is also connected on the LAN, and is configured to print out an image read by the apparatus 1001 of the present invention.

Overall Configuration of Software Block FIG. 10 is a software block diagram of a multifunction machine that implements the present invention.

  Reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, which is a module that mediates with the device when the operator performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This module transfers input information to various modules, which will be described later, and requests processing or sets data in accordance with the operation of the operator.

  Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address-book, that is, a database module that manages a data transmission destination, a communication destination, and the like. The contents of the Address-Book are used to add, delete, and acquire data by an operation from the UI 1501 and to provide data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by the operation of the operator.

  Reference numeral 1503 denotes a Web-Server module, which is used for notifying management information of the multifunction peripheral in response to a request from a Web client (not shown). The management information is read via a later-described Control-API 1518 and notified to a Web client via an HTTP 1512, a TCP / IP 1516, and a Network-Driver 1517 which will be described later.

  Reference numeral 1504 denotes a universal-send, that is, a data distribution module, which distributes data instructed to the operator by the UI 1501 to a communication (output) destination similarly designated. When the operator uses the scanner function of this device to instruct the generation of distribution data, the device is operated via the below-described Control-API 1518 to generate data.

  Reference numeral 1505 denotes a module that is executed when a printer is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504. A module 1506 is executed when an E-mail address is designated as a communication destination in the Universal-Send 1504. A module 1507 is executed when a database is specified as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504. Reference numeral 1508 denotes a module that is executed when a multifunction device similar to this device is designated as an output destination in the Universal-Send 1504.

  Reference numeral 1509 denotes a Remote-Copy-Scan module, which uses the scanner function of this multifunction device, and is equivalent to the Copy function realized by this multifunction device alone, using another multifunction device connected via a network as an output destination. This module performs processing. Reference numeral 1510 denotes a Remote-Copy-Print module, which uses the printer function of this multifunction device, and is equivalent to the Copy function realized by this multifunction device alone with another multifunction device connected via a network or the like as an input destination. This module performs processing. Reference numeral 1511 denotes a module for reading out and printing Web-Pull-Print, that is, information on various home pages on the Internet or an intranet.

  Reference numeral 1512 denotes a module used when the multi-function peripheral communicates using HTTP, and provides communication to the Web-Server 1503 and Web-Pull-Print 1511 modules described above using a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. An lpr module 1513 provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. An SMTP module 1514 provides communication to the E-mail module 1506 in the above-described Universal-Send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later.

  Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, ie, a Salutation-Manager module, which communicates with the database module 1517, DP module 1518, Remote-Copy-Scan 1509 module, and Remote-Copy-Print 1510 module in the above-mentioned Universal-Send 1504 by the TCP / IP 1516 module described later. It is to provide. Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module, which provides network communication to the various modules described above using a network-driver described later.

  Reference numeral 1517 denotes a network driver that controls a portion physically connected to the network. Reference numeral 1518 denotes a control-API that provides an interface with an upstream module such as Universal-Send 1504 to a downstream module such as Job-Manager 1519 described later, and reduces dependency between upstream and downstream modules. It enhances the applicability of each. Reference numeral 1519 denotes a job manager, which interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the control-API 1518 and gives instructions to each module described later. In addition, this module centrally manages hardware processing executed in the multifunction peripheral.

  Reference numeral 1520 denotes a CODEC-Manager that manages and controls various compression / decompression of data in the process instructed by the Job-Manager 1519. Reference numeral 1521 denotes an FBE-Encoder which compresses data read by a scan process executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 according to the FBE format. Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG-CODEC, which performs JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the Job-Manager 1519 and Scan-Manager 1524 and print processing executed by the Print-Manager 1526. Is.

  Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR-CODEC, which performs MMR compression of read data and MMR expansion processing of print data in scan processing executed by the job manager 1519 and scan manager 1524 and print processing executed by the print manager 1526. Is. Reference numeral 1524 denotes a scan manager, which manages and controls scan processing instructed by the job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1525 denotes a SCSI driver, which communicates with the Scan-Manager 1524 and the scanner unit to which the multifunction peripheral is internally connected.

  Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager, which manages and controls print processing instructed by the job manager 1519. Reference numeral 1527 denotes an engine-I / F driver, which provides an interface between the print-manager 1526 and the printing unit. A parallel port driver 1528 provides an I / F when the Web-Pull-Print 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

Application An embodiment of an embedded application according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 shows a built-in application block relating to distribution of the present invention. Reference numeral 4050 denotes a block indicating the operation unit application of the present invention described in 3000 above. 4100 is a block diagram showing the transmission side of the remote copy application. 4150 is a block diagram showing the transmission side of the broadcast distribution. 4200 is a block diagram showing a Web Pull Print module.

  4250 is a block diagram showing the Web Server module. 4300 is a block diagram showing the remote copy receiving side (printing side). Reference numeral 4350 is a block diagram for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast delivery by a general-purpose printer. 4400 is a block diagram showing the remote print receiving side (printing side). 4450 is a block diagram for receiving and storing an image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known Notes Server.

  4500 is a block diagram for receiving and storing a binary image from an image transmitted by broadcast distribution. Reference numeral 4550 is a block diagram for receiving and storing an image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known Mail Server. Reference numeral 4600 denotes a block diagram for receiving and storing a multi-valued image transmitted by broadcast distribution. 4650 is a diagram showing a known Web Server including information content. 4700 is a diagram showing a known Web Browser that accesses the Web Server of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each block.

Details of the User Interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) shown in the User Interface application 4050 block are as described above. Here, the Address Book 4051 will be described. This Address Book is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk, etc.) in the device of the present invention, in which the characteristics of the device connected to the network are described. For example, those listed below are included.

Official device name or alias name Device network address Device processable network protocol Device processable document format Device processable compression type Device processable image resolution Paper size for printers Paper feed stage information Folder name in which documents can be stored in the case of a server (computer) device. Each application described below can determine the characteristics of a delivery destination based on the information described in the Address Book 4051. The Address Book can be edited, and can be downloaded and used, or directly referenced, stored in a server computer or the like in the network.

Remote Copy Application The remote copy application discriminates resolution information that can be processed by a device designated as a delivery destination from the Address Book 4051, and compresses an image binary image read by a scanner using a known MMR compression in accordance therewith. It is converted into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), passed through the SLM 4103, and transmitted to the printer device on the network. Although not described in detail, the SLM 4103 is a kind of network protocol including device control information called a known Salutation Manager (or Smart Link Manager).

Broadcast distribution application Unlike the remote copy application, the broadcast distribution application can transmit images to a plurality of distribution destinations by one-time image scanning. Further, the distribution destination is not limited to the printer device, but can be directly distributed to a so-called server computer.

  Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order according to a delivery destination. If the destination device determines that the well-known network printer protocol LPD (Line Printer Daemon) and the well-known LIPS can be processed as a printer control command from the Address Book 4051, the image reading is similarly performed according to the image resolution determined from the Address Book 4051. In this embodiment, the image itself is compressed using a well-known FBE (First Binary Encoding), further LIPS-coded, and transmitted to the counterpart device using the LPR which is a well-known network printer protocol.

  If the delivery destination device is communicable with the SLM and is a server device, the address book 4051 determines the server address and the designation of the folder in the server, and the binary image read by the scanner is read in the same way as the remote copy application. It is possible to compress using known MMR compression, convert it into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), and store it in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

  Further, in the device of this embodiment, when the server as the counterpart device determines that a known JPEG-compressed multi-value image can be processed, the multi-value read image similar to the above-described binary image is used. Using compression, it is also possible to convert to a known JFIF and store it in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

  When the delivery destination device is a known E-Mail server, the e-mail address described in Address Book 4051 is determined, and the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression. A TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) is used, and a known SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) 4153 is used for transmission to the E-Mail server. Subsequent distribution is performed in accordance with Mail Server 4550.

Overview of Operation Unit FIG. 15 shows the configuration of the operation unit 180. The LCD display unit (3001) has a touch panel sheet affixed on the LCD, displays a system operation screen, and transmits the position information to the controller CPU when a displayed key is pressed. A start key (3002) is used when starting a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED in the center of the start key, and the color indicates whether the start key is ready for use. A stop key (3003) serves to stop an operation in progress. The ID key (3004) is used when inputting the user ID of the user. A reset key (3005) is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

  Hereinafter, each screen of the operation unit will be described in detail.

Operation screen The functions provided by the apparatus of the present invention are divided into six major categories of Copy / Send / Retrieve / Tasks / Management / Configuration, which are the six main displayed on the upper part of the operation screen (3010). This corresponds to the tab (COPY / SEND / RETREIVE / TASKS / MGMT / CONFIG) (3011-3016). By pressing these main tabs, switching to the screen of each category is performed. If switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab will change, and pressing the main tab will not respond.

  Copy includes a function for performing normal document copying using its own scanner and printer, and a function for performing document copying (remote copying) using a scanner connected to its own scanner via a network. . Send is a function for transferring a document placed on a scanner of the own apparatus to an e-mail, a remote printer, a fax, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and a plurality of destinations can be designated. Retrieve is a function for acquiring an external document and printing it with a printer included in the own apparatus. WWW, e-mail, file transfer and fax can be used as document acquisition means. Tasks automatically processes a document sent from the outside such as a fax or an Internet print, and generates and manages a task for periodically performing a retrieve. Management manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. In the configuration, settings (network, clock, etc.) regarding the own device are performed.

  Hereinafter, a method for setting these functions will be described using an example of an LCD screen display.

ID input screen An ID input screen (3020) is displayed immediately after power-on and when the ID key is pressed. When the user ID and password are correctly input on the ID input screen and the OK button is pressed, the above-described operation screen is displayed and the operation becomes possible. Switching between the ID input area (3021) and the password input area (3022) can be performed by directly pressing the input area.

COPY screen When the start button is pressed when the COPY screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and a copy corresponding to each setting parameter displayed on the screen is output from the selected printer. The COPY main screen (3100) includes a printer selection button (3103) and a printer display area (3102), an image quality selection button (3105) and an image quality display area (3104), and a copy parameter display (3101) similar to that of a conventional copying machine. , Enlargement / reduction setting buttons (3106, 3107), paper selection button (3108), sorter setting button (3110), duplex copy setting button (3112), density indicator and density setting button (3109), and numeric keypad (3114). The

  When the printer selection button (3103) is pressed, a list (3120) of available printers (the printer of the own device and the printer connected via the network) is displayed in a pull-down manner. When a desired printer is selected from the list, the list disappears and the selected printer name is displayed in the printer display area (3102).

  When the image quality setting button (3105) is pressed, a list of image quality (3125) is displayed, and a desired image quality can be selected from the list. When the above-mentioned copy parameter setting button is pressed, a sub-screen (enlargement / reduction setting: 3130, paper selection: 3140, sorter setting: 3150, double-sided copy setting: 3160) for setting corresponding to each is displayed. The parameters can be set in the same manner as in the copying machine. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as a conventional copying machine.

SEND Screen When the start button is pressed when the Send screen is displayed, the scanner operates, and processing for transmitting the read image data by the transmission method specified for the set destination is started. The SEND main screen (3200) includes a destination display area (3202), a detailed destination number display area (3203), a destination scroll button (3204), an address book button (3208), a New button (3209), an Edit button (3210), Delete button (3211), Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), File Name input area (3207), Cover page check button (3212), Put In HD check button (3213), Print Out check button ( 3214) and a Scan Setting button (3215). At initialization including reset, as indicated by 3201, an operation explanation screen is displayed without displaying one destination in the destination display area.

  A list of input destinations is displayed in the destination display area (3202). Input is appended to the end sequentially. The number of destinations currently set is displayed in the detailed destination number display area (3203). After selecting a destination from the destination display area, pressing the Delete button (3211) deletes the selected destination. When the Subject input area (3205), Message input area (3206), and File Name input area (3207) are pressed, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input becomes possible.

Address Book Subscreen When the Address Book button (3208) is pressed, the address book subscreen (3220) is displayed. The destination to which the selection mark (3232) is attached in the address book display area (3221) is added to the destination display area (3202) of the SEND main screen by pressing an OK button (3231). The display of the address book is sorted by class, name ascending order, name descending order by pressing a sort item setting button (3224-3226). In the item selection number display area (3227), the number of items with selection marks is displayed.

  When the OK button (3231) or the cancel button (3230) is pressed, the address book sub-screen is closed and the SEND main screen is displayed. When the Detail button (3229) is pressed while one item in the address book is selected, the Detail sub-screen (3235) is displayed. On the Detail sub-screen, all information obtained from the address book is displayed as information on the selected item.

Detailed Destination Sub Screen When the New button (3209) on the SEND main screen is pressed, the Person class detailed sub screen (3270) is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To enter a destination, press the transmission method selection button (3271 to 3274) corresponding to the transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP) or press the detailed destination input area (3275 to 3278). The keyboard (3050) and the others are displayed as a full keyboard (3040) and can be input. Reference numerals 3279 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options of the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  The Person class details sub-screen (3290) is also displayed when the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the Person class destination is selected on the SEND main screen. When the details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding area of the detailed destination input area (3275-3278) and the keyboard is displayed by the method described above, the destination can be edited.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the destination of the Data Base class is selected on the SEND main screen, the Data Base class details sub-screen (3310) is displayed. A database name (3311) and a folder list (3312) are displayed on the database class details sub-screen.

  When the Edit button (3210) is pressed while the Group class destination is selected on the SEND main screen, the Group class details sub-screen (3320) is displayed. Group member display (3321) is displayed on the Group class details sub-screen.

HD SETTING SUB SCREEN When the Put In HD check button (3213) is pressed, an HD SETTING sub screen (3330) for setting for transmission to the hard disk is displayed. Detailed description is omitted.

Print Out Subscreen When the Print Out check button (3214) is pressed, a printout subscreen (3340) is displayed. On the printout sub-screen, the number of prints, paper size, enlargement / reduction ratio, duplex printing, sorting, resolution, etc. are set. When the paper size selection button (3345) is pressed, a list of paper sizes (3360) is displayed, from which a selection is made. When the sorter selection button (3350) is pressed, a selectable sorter list (3365) is displayed.

Scan Setting Sub Screen When the Scan Setting button (3215) is pressed, a Scan Setting sub screen (3370) is displayed. When one scan setting is selected from the Preset mode selection area (3371) in the Scan Setting sub-screen, the corresponding preset resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas (3377, 3379, 3381). The These values can be changed manually.

RETRIIVE screen The RETRIIVE main screen (3400) includes sub-tabs of WWW (3401), E-mail (3402), Fax (3403), and FTP (3404), and a PUT INTO HD check button (3405) commonly used in each sub-category. ), A PRINT SETTING button (3406) is displayed. By pressing the sub tab, the corresponding WWW, E-mail, Fax, and FTP sub screens are displayed. At initialization including reset, the WWW sub-screen is displayed.

E-mail sub-screen On the E-mail sub-screen (3430), settings for receiving the E-mail are made. When each input area (3431 to 3433) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

Fax sub-screen The fax sub-screen (3440) is used to enter a fax number. When an input area (3441) is pressed, a numeric keyboard (3050) is displayed, and a fax number can be input.

FTP Server Sub Screen The FTP Server sub screen (3450) performs settings for receiving data from the server. When each input area (3451 to 3453) is pressed, a full keyboard (3040) is displayed and input becomes possible.

HD Setting Subscreen When the Put Into HD check button (3406) common to each category is pressed, the HD Setting subscreen (3330) is displayed. The function is the same as the Send HD Setting subscreen.

TASKS Screen When the start key is pressed while the TASKS screen is displayed, an automatic RETRIVE operation is executed according to the parameters set on the TASKS screen. Sub-tabs (3501 to 3505) of WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, Fax Receive, and Fax Polling are displayed on the TASKS main screen (3500). At initialization including reset, a WWW sub-screen (3500) is displayed.

<Sequence when outputting PDL image>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a procedure for outputting a PDL image in this embodiment. In addition, S5001-S5008 in a figure shows each step.

  When outputting a PDL image, in step S5001, the user performs print settings for the PDL image output job on the PC 401. The contents of the print settings include the number of copies, the paper size, one side / both sides, page output order, sort output, presence or absence of stapling. In S5002, a print instruction is given on the PC 401, and the driver software installed on the PC 401 converts the code data on the PC 401 to be printed into so-called PDL data, together with the print setting parameters set in S5001. Then, the PDL data is transferred to the control device 110 of the image input / output device via the network 400.

  In step S5003, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the control device 110 expands (rasterizes) the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters. The development of the image data is performed on the DRAM 122. When the development of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S5004. In step S5004, the main controller 111 transfers the image data expanded on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.

  In step S5005, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameter. For example, when the paper size specified by the print setting parameter is A4 and the paper feed unit 360 of the printer unit 300 has only A4R paper, the graphic processor 151 rotates the image by 90 degrees. Therefore, it is possible to output an image that matches the output paper. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S5006.

  In step S <b> 5006, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122. In step S <b> 5007, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing 153, and the connector 155.

  In step S5008, the control device 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of the image data is completed, that is, when the PDL job is finished, the print output is finished.

<Sequence when outputting copy image>
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a copy image output procedure in the present embodiment. In addition, S6001-S6007 in a figure shows each step.

  When outputting a copy image, in step S6001, the user performs copy settings for the copy image output job on the operation unit 180. The copy setting contents are the number of copies, paper size, single side / double side, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, presence of stapling, and the like. In step S6002, when a copy start instruction is given on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the control device 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the connector to perform an operation of reading document image data. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211, and simultaneously detects the size of the document. Image data is read by exposing and scanning the document based on the detected size of the document.

  The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. In the conventional copying machine, the scaling process in the sub-scanning direction is realized by changing the moving speed of the optical unit 213 according to the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio of the copy setting, that is, according to the scaling ratio in the sub-scanning direction. Was. However, in this embodiment, image data is always read at the same magnification (100%) regardless of the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio of the copy setting, and the scaling process will be described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It is assumed that the graphic processor 151 is used.

  In S6003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the Graphic Processor 151. In step S6004, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing based on the copy setting parameter. For example, when enlargement of 400% is set, scaling processing in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is performed using an image scaling unit that is a module in the Graphic Processor 151. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S6005.

  In step S6005, the graphics processor 151 compresses and transfers the image data after image processing to the main controller 111 in the designated image format. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122. In step S6006, the main controller 111 converts the image data stored in the DRAM 122 into a file in a designated file format, and transfers the filed image data to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131. Data is stored in the HD drive 132. These operations are repeated as long as a document exists in the DF unit 250.

  In step S6007, the image data is transferred to the printer unit 300. At this time, if the image data file to be printed does not exist in the DRAM 122, the image file is read from the HD drive 132 and stored in the DRAM 122. The main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing 153, and the connector 155.

  In step S6008, the control device 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out image data. When the transfer of all the image data is completed, that is, when the copy job is finished, the print output is finished.

<Sequence for scan transmission>
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a scan transmission procedure according to this embodiment. In addition, S7001-S7009 in a figure shows each step. In this embodiment, the following description will be made assuming that multi-value image data is transmitted.

  When performing scan transmission, in step S7001, the user performs copy settings for the scan job on the operation unit 180. Scan settings include a transmission address, color / monochrome reading, reading resolution, single side / double side, and the like. In step S <b> 7002, when a scan start instruction is given on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the control device 110 controls the reader unit 200 via the connector and performs an operation of reading document image data. First, the document feeding unit 250 feeds the placed documents one by one onto the platen glass 211, and simultaneously detects the size of the document.

  Image data is read by exposing and scanning the document based on the detected size of the document. The read image data is compressed in the image format designated by the graphic processor 151 and stored in the DRAM 122. In the present embodiment, image data is always read at 600 dpi regardless of the resolution setting of the scan setting, and resolution conversion is performed by a graphic processor 151 described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

  In step S7003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151, and performs image processing such as image rotation, resolution conversion, and color space conversion based on the scan setting parameters. The graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after image processing to the main controller 111, and the main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.

  In S7004, it is confirmed whether the destination at the time of scan transmission is an electronic mail. If it is not an electronic mail, the image data is filed in S7005. The main controller 111 converts the image data stored in the DRAM 122 into a file in a designated file format, transfers the filed image data to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131, and reads the read image data into the HD Store in the drive 132.

  In step S <b> 7006, the main controller 111 transmits, for example, to the e-mail server 1004 if the transmission address is E-mail, and to the database server 1002 if the transmission address is a database via the network controller 125 and the local area network 1010. When the transmission address is set to the printer, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing 153, and the connector 155. And forward.

  When e-mail transmission is performed in S7004, the image data size on the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit value set in the user mode from the operation unit 180 in S7007. If the image data size is equal to or smaller than the upper limit value, the process proceeds to S7005, and the image data is transmitted as it is. If the image data size exceeds the upper limit value, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred to the graphic processor 151 in S7008, and the image scaling unit 802 lowers the resolution according to the image data size. For example, when the image data size greatly exceeds the upper limit value, the resolution is set low, and when the image data size slightly exceeds the upper limit value, the image scaling unit is set so as to slightly lower the resolution. In step S7009, the compression rate setting of the output interface 811 is set to be higher than the setting in step S7002, and the image data with the changed resolution and compression rate is stored in the DRAM 122. The size of the image data stored again in the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit value in S7007, and if larger than the upper limit value, S7008 and S7009 are repeated again.

  When the transmission of the image data is completed, that is, when the transmission ends, the scan transmission ends.

<Examples related to the present invention>
<Image flow during encryption processing>
The flow of image data in the present invention is shown using FIG. In the present embodiment, a flow when encryption is performed with respect to a BOX scan operation for storing a BOX in the HDD will be described. Reference numeral 30101 denotes an encryption processing unit for encrypting image data. However, here, a configuration in which 30101 is connected on-board is shown, but a configuration in which an extension connector is connected may be used. Image data scanned by the scanner is subjected to input image processing by the scanner image processing unit 157 through the connector 160, converted into packet JPEG data by the graphic processor 151, input to the main controller 111, and stored in the main memory 122. .

  Thereafter, the data read from the main memory 122 is transferred to the encryption processing unit 30101 via the main controller 111 to perform encryption processing. FIG. 35 is a detailed block diagram of the encryption processing unit, and image data transferred in packet JPEG units is stored in the memory 30201. When reading 30201, the memory controller (not shown) reads the portion excluding the header portion and sends it to the encryption processing portion 30202 for encryption processing.

  Regarding encryption processing, there are various methods such as a public key encryption method and a common key encryption method, but the encryption key storage and method are not particularly mentioned here. The data encrypted by the encryption processing unit 30202 is stored in the same location as the location from which it was extracted, and the header portion data that has not been encrypted is also stored in the hard disk 133 via the main controller 111. FIG. 36 shows a conceptual diagram of the image data configuration.

Block diagram showing the overall system configuration of this device External view of reader unit and printer unit of this device Block diagram of the control unit of this device Block diagram of reader image processing unit Block diagram of ACS count unit Block diagram of the portion related to image processing of the scanner I / F Block diagram of a portion related to image processing of the printer I / F Block diagram of GraphicProcessor Overall system diagram for software explanation Overall configuration diagram of the software of this system Application block diagram The figure explaining the sequence at the time of PDL image output The figure explaining the sequence at the time of copy image output The figure explaining the sequence at the time of scan transmission of a multi-value image Overall view of the operation unit Diagram showing the operation screen Figure showing the main operation screen during copying The figure which shows the main operation screen at the time of Send Figure showing the Send initial screen Figure showing the Address Book screen Figure showing detailed information screen Figure showing the new detailed destination screen Figure showing detailed destination screen (for individuals) Figure showing detailed destination screen (for database) Figure showing detailed destination screen (for group) Figure showing the hard disk setting screen Figure showing the print settings screen Figure showing the scan settings screen Figure showing the RETRIVE main screen Figure showing the E-mail screen Figure showing the Fax screen Figure showing FTP screen Figure showing the TASK main screen Video count section illustration Encryption header mask diagram Header illustration

Explanation of symbols

110 control device 180 operation unit 200 reader unit (image input device)
210 Scanner Unit 250 Document Feeding Unit 300 Printer Unit (Image Output Device)
310 Paper feed unit 320 Marking unit 330 Paper discharge unit 400 Network 401 Host computer 402 Host computer 410 Server

Claims (2)

  An image forming apparatus having an image reading unit, an image processing unit, and an image printing unit capable of printing an image includes an image encryption processing unit, and encrypts a part of the data when it is encrypted An image forming apparatus characterized in that it is possible to create a region that is not performed.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the unencrypted portion is an image header portion.