JP2006338387A - Data generation device, communication system and data communication method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To freely perform browsing, operation or the like to data stored inside a BOX or the like. <P>SOLUTION: An image forming device comprises an image data forming part 4301 and a format conversion part 4302, the generated data are converted into a prescribed format by the format conversion part 4302, and the data converted into the prescribed format are transmitted to a database server 4303. Thereby, the stored data can be converted into the prescribed format matching with a format of an application on a device performed with the data browsing, the operation or the like, for example. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data generation device, a communication system, and a data communication method for enabling data browsing, operation, and the like from each device connected on a communication line.

  Conventionally, a remote UI that can manage the operation status of the MFP and information stored in the BOX of the MFP from a PC (personal computer) is connected to a PC at a location remote from the MFP (Multi Function Printer). Functions are spreading.

JP 2004-086765 A

  However, conventionally, since the data format stored in the BOX and the format of the application that can be browsed in the PC are different, free handling cannot be performed on the remote UI.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to allow browsing and operation of data stored in, for example, a BOX freely.

A data generation apparatus according to the present invention is a data generation apparatus connected to an external apparatus capable of storing data via a communication line, the data generation means for generating data, and the data generated by the data generation means Format conversion means for converting the data into a predetermined format, and transmission means for transmitting the data converted into the predetermined format to the external device.
The communication system of the present invention is a communication system in which a data storage device capable of storing data and a plurality of data generation devices for generating data are connected via a communication line, and the plurality of data generation devices Data generating means for generating the data, format converting means for converting the data generated by the data generating means into a predetermined format, and transmission for transmitting the data converted into the predetermined format to the data storage device Means.
The data communication method of the present invention is a data communication method by a data generation device connected via an external device capable of storing data via a communication line, and includes a data generation step for generating data, and the data generation step. The method includes a format conversion step of converting the generated data into a predetermined format, and a transmission step of transmitting the data converted into the predetermined format to the external device.
A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute the data communication method.
The computer-readable recording medium of the present invention is characterized in that the program is recorded.

  According to the present invention, data to be accumulated can be converted into a predetermined format that is consistent with, for example, the format of an application on a device that performs data browsing or operation. It can be done freely.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments to which the invention is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall configuration]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image input / output system according to an embodiment of the present invention. A reader unit (also referred to as an image input device or a reader device) 200 optically reads a document image and converts it into image data of an electrical signal. 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 (also referred to as an image output device or a printer device) 300 conveys recording paper, prints image data as a visible image thereon, and discharges the recording paper outside the device. The printer unit 300 sorts and staples a paper feeding unit 360 having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes, a marking unit 310 having a function of transferring and fixing image data onto recording paper (paper), and a printed recording paper. And a paper discharge unit 370 having a function of outputting to the outside of the machine.

  The control device (also referred to as a controller unit) 110 is electrically connected to the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300, and further connected to external host computers 401 and 402 and a server 410 via the network 400. The control device 110 provides a copy function that 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. Further, the control device 110 converts the image data read from the reader unit 200 into code data and transmits it to the host computers 401 and 402 via the network 400, and the host computer 401 and 402 via the network 400. A printer function for converting the received code data into image data and outputting it 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 (interface) for operating the image input / output system.

  FIG. 2 shows the internal configuration of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 in the case of an image forming apparatus for four-color printing. The document feeding unit 250 of the reader unit 200 feeds the documents one by one to the platen glass 211 in order from the top, and discharges the documents on the platen glass 211 onto a tray outside the apparatus after the document reading operation is completed. When the document is conveyed onto the platen glass 211, the document feeding unit 250 turns on the lamp 212, and then starts the movement of the optical unit 213 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 a 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 and converted into an electrical signal. The image sensor 218 is not limited to a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type device, but may be, for example, a randomly accessible MOS type device, a stacked type device having almost the entire surface as a light receiving portion for high sensitivity, or AMI (amplified MOS). Other solid-state imaging devices such as an internal amplification device such as intelligent imager may be used.

  A reader image processing circuit unit 222 performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the CCD 218 and outputs it to the control device 110 via a scanner I / F (not shown).

  A printer image processing circuit unit 352 performs predetermined processing on an image signal (image data) sent from the control device 110 via a printer I / F (not shown), and outputs the processed signal to the laser driver 317. The laser driver 317 of the printer unit 300 is a drive circuit that drives the laser light emitting units 313, 314, 315, and 316. Laser light corresponding to the image data output from the printer image processing circuit unit 352 is output to the laser light emitting unit 313, Light is emitted at 314, 315, and 316. 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.

  Reference numerals 321, 322, 323, and 324 are developing units for developing a latent image on the photosensitive drum with black (K), yellow (Y), cyan (C), and magenta (M) toners, respectively. The toners of the respective colors thus transferred are transferred to a sheet and a full color printout is performed.

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

  1 is set by the operation unit 180 in FIG. 1, the recording paper is conveyed to the discharge roller 336, the rotation direction of the discharge roller 336 is reversed, and the paper is conveyed again by the flapper 337. Guide to path 338. The recording paper guided to the refeed conveyance path 338 is fed to the transfer belt 334 at the timing described above, and image recording is performed on the back surface of the recording paper by the same method as described above.

[Reader image processing unit]
FIG. 3 shows a detailed configuration of the reader image processing circuit unit 222 described above. In the reader image processing circuit unit 222, the document on the platen glass 211 is read by the CCD 218 and converted into an electrical signal. When the CCD 218 is a color sensor, even if RGB (red, green, blue) color filters are mounted inline in the order of RGB on the one-line CCD, the three-line CCD has R filters, G filters, and B filters, respectively. The filters may be arranged for each CCD, or the filter may be on-chip or the filter may be configured separately from the CCD.

  Then, the electrical signal (analog image signal) is input to the image processing circuit unit 222, and clamp & Amp. & S / H & A / D section (clamp / amplification / sample hold / analog digital section) 231 samples and holds (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) The order is not limited to the notation order), and analog-digital (A / D) conversion is performed, for example, converted into 8-bit RGB digital signals. The RGB signals are subjected to shading correction and black correction by the shading unit 232 and then output to the control device 110.

[Control device]
The function of the control device 110 will be described with reference to FIG. The main controller 111 of the control device 110 mainly includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 112, a bus controller 113, and various I / F controller circuits such as an asynchronous serial communication controller 114. 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 (semiconductor memory with fixed contents) 120 via the ROM I / F 121. . The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from the host computers 401 and 402 and developing it into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by this program. The bus controller 113 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F to be described later, and controls arbitration at the time of bus contention and DMA data transfer.

  A DRAM (anytime read / write memory that requires a recording and holding operation) 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

  The asynchronous serial communication controller 114 transmits and receives control commands to and from the CPUs (not shown) of the reader unit 200 and the printer unit 300 via the serial buses 172 and 173, and communicates with the touch panel and key inputs of the operation unit 180.

  A network controller (network controller) 125 is connected to the main controller 111 through the I / F 127 and is connected to an external network (not shown) through the connector 126. An example of the external network is Ethernet (registered trademark). The serial connector 124 is connected to the main controller 111 and communicates with an external device (not shown). As a serial bus used in the serial connector 124, USB (Universal Serial Bus) is generally used.

  A fan 128 is connected to the main controller 111 and is used to cool the controller unit 110. A temperature monitoring IC (integrated circuit) 142 is connected to the main controller 111 via 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.

  An extension connector 135 for connecting an extension board, an I / O (input / output) control unit 136, an HD (hard disk) controller 131, and a codec 133 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 130. As the general-purpose high-speed bus 130, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interface) bus is generally used.

  The codec 133 converts raster image data stored in the DRAM 122 into MH (Modified Huffman) / MR (Modified Read) / MMR (Modified MR) / JBIG (Joint Bi-Level Image Experts Group) / JPEG (Joint Photographic). The code data is compressed by a method such as Experts Group, and the code data compressed and stored is decompressed into raster image data. An SRAM (read-write memory that does not require a record holding operation) 134 is used as a temporary work area of the codec 133. Transfer of data to and from the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 and transferred by DMA (direct memory access).

  The HD controller 131 is for connecting an external storage device. In the present embodiment, the hard disk drive 132 is connected via the HD controller 131. A hard disk (not shown) driven by the hard disk drive 132 is used for storing a program or storing image data.

  The I / O control unit 136 controls a data bus (not shown) and controls the port control unit 145 and the interrupt control unit 146. The panel I / F 141 is connected to an LCD (liquid crystal display) controller 140 and is used to input an I / F (not shown) for displaying on a liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 180 and a hard key or a touch panel key. Key input I / F 171.

  The operation unit 180 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device (not shown) attached on the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys (not shown). Signals input from the touch panel or hard keys are transmitted to the CPU 112 in the main controller 111 via the panel I / F 141, key input I / F 171 and serial communication controller 114 described above. The liquid crystal display unit displays the 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 also backed up by the 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 include tuned-step synchronization serial I / Fs 173 and 172 and video I / Fs 163 and 162.

  The scanner image processing unit 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 performs predetermined processing on the image received from the reader unit 200. And 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. A FIFO (first-in first-out file) 158 is connected to the scanner image processing unit 157 and is used for line correction of a video signal transmitted from the reader unit 200.

  The printer image processing unit 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, and performs predetermined processing on the image data output from the graphic processor 151. And a function for outputting the 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 unit 153, and is used to delay the video signal for a predetermined time. The transfer of the raster image data developed on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 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 unit 153, and the connector 155. The

[Scanner image processor]
FIG. 5 shows a detailed configuration of the scanner image processing unit 157 described above. Next, the scanner image processing unit 157 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 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 changes the MTF (modulation transfer function) depending on the reading speed. Transfer function, also called spatial frequency characteristics). As is well known, the MTF is equivalent to a representation of the rate at which the intensity contrast of a sinusoidal spatial pattern is reduced by imaging as a spatial frequency characteristic normalized by a value in the 0 period. When the CCD 218 is a three-line CCD, the connection processing in the connection & MTF correction unit 601 corrects the signal timing so that the reading positions of the three lines are the same. The FIFO 158 is used as a buffer for the line delay.

  The digital signal whose reading position timing is corrected by the connection & MTF correction unit 601 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 an ACS (auto color select) count unit 405 and the graphic processor 151.

[ACS count section]
The ACS count unit 405 will be described with reference to FIG. Auto color selection (hereinafter referred to as ACS) determines whether a document is color or monochrome. In other words, the saturation for each pixel is obtained, and color determination is performed based on how many pixels are above a certain threshold. 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. Various methods have been provided as the ACS method so far, but in this example, since it is not particular to the ACS method, an explanation will be given by a very general method.

  As described above, since there are a large number of color pixels when viewed in a microscopic manner 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 target pixel. 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 an area signal 505 that indicates an area to be subjected to ACS, based on the values set in the registers 507 to 510 set by the main controller 111 and the video control signal 512 sent from the reader unit 200. This is a region detection circuit.

  A color determination unit 503 refers to a peripheral pixel in a memory (not shown) in the filter 501 with respect to the pixel of interest based on an area signal 505 indicating an area to be subjected to ACS, and the pixel of interest is a color pixel or a monochrome pixel. The determination result is output as a color determination signal 506. A counter 504 counts the number of color determination signals 506 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 (however, in this embodiment, the range is determined independently for the original). Further, the main controller 111 compares the value of the counter 504 that counts the number of color determination signals 506 within the area to be subjected to ACS with a predetermined threshold, and based on the comparison result, the document is color or monochrome. Judge whether or not.

  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 example, as an example, each size is set to be about 10 mm smaller than the actual size of the original.

[Printer image processing section]
FIG. 7 shows a detailed configuration of the printer image processing unit 153 in the case of a four-color printing image forming apparatus. An image signal sent from the graphic processor 151 via the printer bus 156 is first input to a LOG (logarithm) conversion unit 701 in the printer image processing unit 153. The LOG conversion unit 701 converts RGB signals into CMY (cyan, magenta, yellow) signals by LOG conversion. Next, the moire removal unit 702 removes the moire from the CMY signal. A UCR & masking unit 703 generates a CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) signal by UCR (under color removal) processing. The CMYK signal is output to the printer by the masking processing unit. The signal is corrected.

  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 data in which the distance between the photosensitive drums is corrected is transferred to the printer via the connector 155. Send to section 300. Reference numeral 707 denotes a video count unit for cumulatively counting the replenishment amount of each of the four colors Y, M, C, and K.

[Video count processing section]
FIG. 8 shows a detailed configuration of the video count unit 707 that counts the replenishment amount of each of the four colors Y, M, C, and K. Each video signal input for each of Y, M, C, and K is subjected to toner amount estimation from their densities in the look-up tables 10201, 10202, 10203, and 10204, and the respective toner amount outputs are 10205, 10206, Integration for each page is performed with the integration counts 10207 and 10208, and the respective toner integration amount outputs are stored for each page in the toner integration amount storage units 10209, 10210, 10211, and 10212.

  Data stored in the accumulated toner amount storage units 10209, 10210, 10211, and 10212 is read in software, and toner amount control and toner supply control for each color are performed.

[Graphic processor]
The graphic processor 151 will be described with reference to FIG. The graphic processor 151 includes modules 801 to 807 that perform image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, binarization, scanner image input, and printer image output, respectively. The DRAM 152 is used as a temporary work area for each of the modules 801 to 807 via the DRAM controller 808. The work area is statically allocated in advance for each module 801 to 807 so that the work area of the DRAM 152 used by each module 801 to 807 does not compete.

  As already described with reference to FIG. 4, the graphic processor 151 is connected to the main controller 111 via the I / F 150, and data transfer with the DRAM 122 is controlled by the bus controller 113 in the main controller 111. DMA transfer. The bus controller 113 has a function of setting a mode or the like in each of the modules 801 to 807 of the graphic processor 151 and a timing control for transferring image data to each of the modules 801 to 807.

  The input interface 810 outputs image data input from the bus controller 113 through the I / F 150 to a cross bar switch 809. The input interface 810 can handle various image data such as binary raster image data, multi-value raster image data, and JPEG. For example, in the case of a JPEG image, the input interface 810 converts the image data into raster image data, The converted data is output to the switch 809.

  On the other hand, the output interface 811 outputs the image data input from the crossbar switch 809 to the I / F 150. The image data format input from the crossbar switch 809 is raster image data, but it is also possible to perform JPEG compression with the output interface 811 and output the data to the I / F 150.

[Image Rotator]
Next, a processing procedure in the image rotation unit 801 in FIG. 9 will be described. First, settings for image rotation control are performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. In accordance with this setting, the bus controller 113 performs settings necessary for image rotation (for example, image size, rotation direction / angle, etc.) for the image rotation unit 801. After performing the necessary settings, the CPU 112 permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or from a device (not shown) connected via each I / F (not shown) to the image rotation unit 801.

  Here, the image size to be rotated is 32 pixels × 32 lines, and when transferring image data on an image bus (not shown), image transfer is performed in units of 24 bytes (one pixel for each of 8 bits for RGB). Shall be performed. Thus, in order to obtain an image of 32 pixels × 32 lines, it is necessary to perform the 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 134 of FIG. 4 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 (not shown) on the DRAM 122 or I / F (not shown) 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).

[Image scaling unit]
Next, a processing procedure in the image scaling unit 802 in FIG. 9 will be described. Setting for image scaling 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 image scaling (magnification in the main scanning direction, 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 permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device (not shown) connected via each I / F (not shown) to the image scaling unit 802.

  The image scaling unit 802 stores the received image data in the temporary DRAM 152, and uses the DRAM 152 as an input buffer. The number of pixels necessary for the stored data according to the scaling factor of main scanning and sub-scanning, A scaling process is performed by enlarging or reducing the image by performing interpolation processing for the number of lines.

  The image scaling unit 802 writes the scaled data back to the DRAM 152 again, this time using the DRAM 152 as an output buffer, 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 (not shown) on the I / F (not shown).

[Color space converter]
Next, a processing procedure in the color space conversion unit 803 in FIG. 9 will be described. Settings for color space conversion control are performed from the CPU 112 to the bus controller 113 via the I / F 150. By 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 permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device (not shown) connected via each I / F (not shown) to the color space conversion unit 803.

  The color space conversion unit 803 first performs a 3 × 3 matrix operation represented by Equation 1 below for each received pixel of image data.

  In Equation 1, 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 Equation 1.

  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 image data subjected to the color space conversion process transfers the data to each device (not shown) on the DRAM 122 or I / F (not shown).

[Image binarization unit]
Next, a processing procedure in the image binarization unit 805 in FIG. 9 will be described. 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 permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device (not shown) connected via each I / F (not shown) to the image binarization unit 805.

  The image binarization unit 805 performs binarization processing on the received image data. In this example, as a binarization method, image data is compared with a predetermined threshold value and simply binarized. Of course, binarization may be performed by any method such as a dither method, an error diffusion method, or an improved error diffusion method. 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 each device (not shown) on the DRAM 122 or I / F (not shown).

[Scanner input section]
Next, a processing procedure in the scanner input unit 806 in FIG. 9 will be described. 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 permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, image data is then input to the scanner input unit 806 through the bus controller 113 in synchronization with the synchronization signal input from the scanner image processing unit 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 806 transfers the image data stored in the DRAM 152 to the bus controller 113. The bus controller 113 that has received the image data from the scanner input unit 806 transfers the data to each device (not shown) on the DRAM 122 or I / F (not shown).

[Printer output section]
Next, a processing procedure in the printer output unit 807 in FIG. 9 will be described. 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 permits the bus controller 113 to transfer image data again. In accordance with this permission, the bus controller 113 starts transferring image data from the DRAM 122 or a device (not shown) connected via each I / F (not shown).

  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 unit 153.

[software]
[Overall configuration of network system]
A typical example of a network system suitable as a network environment is shown in FIG. An image forming apparatus 1001 includes a scanner and a printer, which will be described later, sends an image read from the scanner to a local area network 1010 (hereinafter referred to as a LAN), and receives an image received from the LAN 1010 as a printer. Can be printed out. The image forming apparatus 1001 transmits an image read from the scanner to a PSTN (public switched telephone network) or ISDN (integrated service digital network) 1030 by FAX transmission means (not shown). The image received from the PSTN or ISDN 1030 can be printed out by the printer.

  A database server 1002 manages a binary image and a multi-valued image read by the image forming apparatus 1001 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 image forming apparatus 1001 as an e-mail attachment. Reference numeral 1005 denotes an e-mail client, which can receive and browse an e-mail received by the e-mail server 1004 and transmit an e-mail. A WWW (World Wide Web) server 1006 provides an HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) document to the LAN 1010, and an HTML document provided from the WWW server 1006 can be printed out by the image forming apparatus 1001.

  A router 1011 connects the LAN 1010 to the Internet / intranet 1012. In addition to the database server 1002, the WWW server 1006, and the e-mail server 1004, the Internet / intranet 1012 includes an image forming apparatus 1020 similar to the image forming apparatus 1001, a database server 1021 similar to the above, a WWW server 1022, an electronic The mail server 1023 is connected.

  On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 1001 can transmit and receive with the FAX apparatus 1031 via the PSTN or ISDN 1030. In addition, a printer 1040 is also connected to the LAN 1010, so that an image read by the image forming apparatus 1001 can be printed out.

[Overall configuration of software block]
FIG. 11 shows software blocks of an image forming apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the present multifunction machine) 1001 or 1020. Here, reference numeral 1501 denotes a UI, that is, a user interface, and is a module that mediates between devices when an operator (user) performs various operations and settings of the multifunction peripheral. This UI module 1501 transfers input information to various modules to be described later according to an operator's operation, and requests processing or sets data. Reference numeral 1502 denotes an address book (Address-Book), that is, a database module for managing a data transmission destination, a communication destination, and the like. The contents of the address book 1502 are used to add, delete, and acquire data by the operator's operation from the UI 1501, and to provide data sending / communication destination information to each module described later by the operator's operation. The

  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). This management information is read via a control API (Control-Application Program Interface) module 1518, which will be described later, and an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) module 1512, a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) module 1516, which will be described later. The notification is sent to the Web client via a network driver (Network-Driver) 1517.

  Reference numeral 1504 denotes a universal send, that is, a module that manages data distribution, and distributes data designated by the operator through the UI module 1501 to a communication (output) destination similarly designated by the operator. Further, when the operator uses the scanner function (scanning function) of the multifunction device to generate distribution data, the multifunction device is operated via the control API module 1518 described later, and Generate. A module 1505 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 (DB) is designated as an output destination in the universal send 1504. A module 1508 is executed when a multifunction peripheral (DP) similar to the multifunction peripheral 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 can be realized with this multifunction device alone, using another multifunction device connected via a network as an output destination. The same processing as the existing copy function (copy function) is performed. Reference numeral 1510 denotes a remote-copy-print module, which uses the multifunction printer's printer function and can be realized by using the multifunction device connected to the network as an input destination. Performs the same processing as the existing copy function. 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 by HTTP, and provides communication to the Web server module 1503 and the Web pull / print module 1511 by a TCP / IP communication module 1516 described later. Reference numeral 1513 denotes an lpr module that provides communication to the printer module 1505 in the universal send 1504 by a TCP / IP communication module 1516 described later. 1514 is an SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) module that provides communication to the electronic mail module 1506 in the universal send 1504 by a TCP / IP 1516 module described later. Reference numeral 1515 denotes an SLM, that is, a salutation manager module. A TCP / IP communication module 1516, which will be described later, uses a database module 1507, a DP (multifunction peripheral) module 1508, and a remote module in the universal send 1504. Communication is provided to the copy / scan module 1509 and the remote copy / print module 1510.

  Reference numeral 1516 denotes a TCP / IP communication module which provides network communication to the various modules described above by a network driver 1517 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 module which provides an interface with a downstream module such as a job manager (Job-Manager) 1519 described later for an upstream module such as the universal send module 1504 described above. In addition, the dependency relationship between the downstream modules and the downstream modules is reduced, and each diversion property is improved. A job manager 1519 interprets processing instructed from the various modules described above via the control API module 1518, and gives instructions to each module to be described later that executes the processing. The module 1519 centrally manages hardware processing executed in the multifunction peripheral.

  Reference numeral 1520 denotes a codec (CODEC) manager, which manages and controls various compression / decompression of data in the process instructed by the job manager 1519. An FBE encoder (FBE-Encoder) 1521 compresses data read by a scan process executed by a job manager 1519 and a scan manager (Scan-Manager) 1524 in an FBE (First Binary Encoding) format. is there. Reference numeral 1522 denotes a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) codec, which is used in a scan process executed by a job manager 1519 and a scan manager 1524 described later and a print process executed by a print manager 1526 described later. JPEG compression of read data and JPEG expansion processing of print data are performed. Reference numeral 1523 denotes an MMR (modified modified READ) codec, which is read in a scan process executed by the job manager 1519, a scan manager 1524 described later, and a print process executed by the print manager 1526. Data MMR compression and print data MMR expansion processing are performed.

  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 (small computer system interface) driver, which communicates between the scan manager 1524 and the scanner unit to which the multifunction peripheral is internally connected.

  Reference numeral 1526 denotes a print manager for managing and controlling print processing designated by the job manager 1519. An engine I / F (1527) driver 1527 provides an interface (I / F) between the print manager 1526 and the printing unit.

  A parallel port driver 1528 provides an I / F when the Web pull / print module 1511 outputs data to an output device (not shown) via the parallel port.

[application]
Next, an embodiment of the embedded application in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an embedded application related to distribution of the image forming apparatus. Here, a block 4050 is an operation unit application described later. A block 4100 is a remote copy transmission side (scanning side) application. Block 4150 is an application on the sender side of the broadcast universal send. A block 4200 is a Web pull print application. A block 4250 is a Web server application.

  A block 4300 is a remote copy receiving side (printing side) application. A block 4350 is an application for receiving and printing an image transmitted by broadcast delivery by a general-purpose printer. A block 4400 is an application on the receiving side (printing side) of remote printing. A block 4450 is an application for receiving and storing an image transmitted by the broadcast distribution by a known Notes server. A block 4500 is an application for receiving and storing a binary image from an image transmitted by broadcast distribution. Block 4550 is an application for receiving and storing an image transmitted by broadcast distribution by a known mail server. A block 4600 is an application for receiving and storing a multi-valued image transmitted by broadcast delivery. A block 4650 is a known Web server application including information content. Reference numeral 4700 denotes a known Web browser that accesses a Web server or the like.

Hereinafter, the application group will be described in detail with reference to each application block.
[User interface application]
Details of a user interface (hereinafter referred to as UI) application indicated by the block 4050 are as described later. Here, an address book indicated by 4051 will be described. This address book 4051 is stored in a non-volatile storage device (non-volatile memory, hard disk or the like) in the image forming apparatus, and the features of the devices connected to the network are described therein. For example, those listed below are included.
(1) Official name or alias name (alias) of the device
(2) Device network address (3) Device processable network protocol (4) Device processable document format (5) Device processable compression type (6) Device processable image resolution (7) Paper size that can be fed in the case of printer equipment, paper feed stage information (8) Folder name that can store documents in the case of server (computer) equipment

  Each application to be described next can determine the characteristics of the delivery destination based on the information described in the address book 4051. The address book 4051 can be edited, and can be downloaded and used stored in a server computer or the like in the network, or directly referenced.

[Remote Copy Application]
The remote copy application indicated by the block 4100 discriminates resolution information that can be processed by the device designated as the distribution destination by the address book 4051, and performs a known MMR compression on the binary image read by the scanner accordingly. It is compressed by using it, converted into a known TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), passed through the SLM 4103, and transmitted to the printer device on the network. Since the SLM 4103 is not a main part of the present embodiment, it will not be described in detail here. However, the SLM 4103 includes device control information called a known salutation manager (or Smart Link Manager). A type of network protocol.

[Broadcasting application]
Unlike the remote copy application 4100 described above, the broadcast distribution application indicated by the block 4150 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, the processing procedure of the broadcast distribution application will be described in order according to the distribution destination. If the destination device uses LPD (Line Printer Daemon), which is a well-known network printer protocol, and can process LIPS (LBP Image Processing System), which is a kind of well-known page description language, as a printer control command, If it is determined by the book 4051, the image is similarly read according to the image resolution determined from the address book 4051. In this example, the image itself is compressed using a well-known FBE (First Binary Encoding), and further LIPS. The data is encoded and transmitted to the counterpart device using LPR, which is a known network printer protocol.

  When the delivery destination device can communicate 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 image read by the scanner in the same manner as the remote copy application. Can be compressed using known MMR compression, converted into TIFF, and stored in a specific folder of a server device on the network through the SLM.

  In the apparatus according to the present embodiment, when it is determined by the address book 4051 that the server as the counterpart device can process a multi-value image compressed with JPEG, multi-value reading is performed in the same manner as the above-described binary image. The image can be converted into a known JFIF using a known JPEG compression and stored 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 the address book 4051 is determined, the binary image read by the scanner is compressed using a known MMR compression, Is converted to a known TIFF and sent to an e-mail server using a known SMTP 4153. Subsequent distribution is executed in accordance with a mail server 4550.

[Overview of operation unit]
The overall configuration of the operation unit 180 (FIG. 1) is shown in FIG. The LCD display unit 3001 has a touch panel sheet affixed on an LCD (liquid crystal display) and displays a system operation screen. When an operator (user) presses a key displayed on the screen, the position information is displayed. Is transmitted to the CPU of the controller 110 (FIG. 1).

  A start key 3002 is used when starting a document image reading operation. There is a green and red two-color LED (light emitting diode) in the center of the start key 3002, and the lighting color indicates whether the start key 3002 is in a usable state. A stop key 3003 serves to stop an operation in operation. An ID key 3004 is used to input a user ID (identification number) of the user. A reset key 3005 is used to initialize settings from the operation unit.

Next, each screen of the operation unit 180 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
[Operation screen]
As shown in FIG. 14, the functions provided by the image forming apparatus are: copy (copy) / send (transfer) / retrieve (retrieve) / tasks (tasks) / management (management). These are divided into six large categories of / Configuration (Configuration), and these are six main tabs (COPY / SEND / RETREIVE / TASKS / MGMT / CONFIG) 3011-3016 displayed at the top of the operation screen 3010. It corresponds to. When the operator presses these main tabs, switching to the screen of each category is performed. However, if switching to another category is not permitted, the display color of the main tab changes, and pressing the main tab does not respond.

  The copy function related to the main tab 3011 is a function of performing normal document copying using the scanner and printer of the own device, and copying of the document using the scanner of the own device and a printer connected to the network. Including both functions (remote copy).

  The send function related to the main tab 3012 is a function for transferring a document placed on the scanner of the own apparatus to an e-mail, a remote printer, a fax, a file transfer (FTP), and a database, and specifying a plurality of destinations. Is possible.

  The retrieve function related to the main tab 3013 is a function for acquiring an external document and printing it with a printer of the own apparatus. It is possible to use a WWW server, e-mail, file transfer, and fax as document acquisition means.

  A task function related to the main tab 3014 automatically processes a document sent from the outside such as a fax or an Internet print, and generates and manages a task for periodically retrieving (retrieving and printing).

A management function related to the main tab 3015 manages jobs, address books, bookmarks, documents, account information, and the like. The configuration function related to the main tab 3016 performs settings (network, clock, etc.) regarding the own device.
The procedure for setting these functions will be described below using an example of LCD screen display.

[ID input screen]
An ID input screen (not shown) is displayed immediately after the power is turned on and when the ID key is pressed. When the operator correctly inputs the user ID and password on the ID input screen and presses the OK button, the above-described operation screen 3010 is displayed and the operation becomes possible. Switching between the ID input area (not shown) and the password input area (not shown) can be switched by the operator directly pressing the input area.

[Copy screen]
When the operator presses the main tab 3011 instructing switching to the copy display screen on the operation screen 3010 in FIG. 14 (or any one of the screens in FIGS. 16, 17, and 27 to 31 described later), FIG. The copy main screen 3100 shown in FIG. When the operator presses the start button 3110 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 (Image Quality) selection button 3105, an image quality display area 3104, a copy parameter display 3101 similar to that of a conventional copier, and an enlarged display. It includes reduction setting buttons 3106 and 3107, a paper selection button 3108, a sorter setting button 3110, a duplex copy setting button 3112, a density indicator / density setting button 3109, a numeric keypad 3114, and the like.

  When the operator presses the printer selection button 3103, a list 3102 of available printers (printers owned by the printer and printers connected via a 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 operator presses the image quality setting button 3105, an image quality list 3104 is displayed, and a desired image quality can be selected from the list.

  When the operator presses the copy parameter setting buttons 3105 to 3112, sub screens (enlargement / reduction setting, paper selection, sorter setting, duplex copy setting) for performing the corresponding settings are displayed (not shown), and the conventional copying is performed. Parameters can be set in the same way as on the machine. Also, the density setting can be operated in the same manner as a conventional copying machine.

[Send screen]
When the operator presses the main tab 3012 for instructing switching to the send (SEND) main screen on the operation screen 3010 of FIG. 14 (or any of the screens of FIG. 15 and FIG. 27 to FIG. 31 described later), FIG. The Sen Domain screen 3200 shown in FIG. 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 domain 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, a delete button 3211, a subject (Subject) input area 3205, Message input area 3206, File Name input area 3207, Cover page check button 3212, Put Into HD check button 3213, Printout (Print Out) check button 3214 and scan setting button 3215. At initialization including resetting, as shown in the send initial screen 3201 in FIG. 17, one destination is not displayed in the destination display area, and an operation explanation screen is displayed.

  The destination display area 3202 displays a list of input destinations. Input is appended to the end sequentially. The detailed destination number display area 3203 displays the number of destinations currently set. After selecting a destination from the destination display area, when the operator presses the derate button 3211, the selected destination is deleted.

  When the operator presses the subject input area 3205, the message input area 3206, and the file name input area 3207, a full keyboard is displayed, and each input becomes possible.

Address book subscreen:
When the address book button 3208 is pressed by the operator, an address book sub-screen 3220 shown in FIG. 18 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 (FIG. 16) of the send (SEND) main screen when the operator presses an OK button 3231. The display of the address book is sorted by class (Class), name ascending order (Name ↑), and name descending order (Name ↓) when the operator presses sort item setting buttons 3224-3226. An item selection number display area (Set) 3227 displays the number of items with selection marks.

  When the OK button 3231 or the Cancel button 3230 is pressed by the operator, the address book sub-screen is closed and the send domain screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.

  When the operator presses a detail button 3229 with one item in the address book selected, a detail sub-screen 3235 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. The detail sub-screen 3235 displays all information 3236 obtained from the address book as information on the selected item.

Detailed destination subscreen:
When the operator presses the New button 3209 on the Sen domain screen in FIG. 16, a Person class detail sub-screen 3270 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and a new destination can be set. To input a destination, the operator presses a transmission method selection button 3271 to 3274 corresponding to a transmission method (e-mail, fax, printer, FTP) or the operator presses the detailed destination input area 3275 to 3278. A keyboard (not shown) and a full keyboard (not shown) are displayed for others and input is possible. Reference numerals 3279 to 3282 denote buttons for performing transmission options of the respective transmission methods, but detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  Even when the edit button 3210 is pressed by the operator while the person class destination is selected on the sensor domain screen 3200 of FIG. 16, the person class details sub-screen 3290 as shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. Details of the selected destination are displayed in the corresponding areas of the detailed destination input areas 3275 to 3278, and when a keyboard (not shown) is displayed by the above-described method, the destination can be edited.

  In addition, when the edit button 3210 is pressed while the destination of the database (Data Base) class is selected on the sensor domain screen 3200 of FIG. 16, the database class details sub-screen 3310 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. The The database class detail sub-screen 3310 displays a database name 3311 and a folder list 3312.

  Further, when the edit button 3210 is pressed by the operator while the group class destination is selected on the sensor domain screen 3200 of FIG. 16, the group class detail sub-screen 3320 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. Is done. A group member display 3321 is displayed on the group class details sub-screen 3320.

HD setting sub screen:
When the operator presses a put-in-two HD check button 3213 on the send domain screen 3200 in FIG. 16, an HD setting sub-screen 3330 for setting a hard disk for transmission to the hard disk (HD) as shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. Detailed description thereof is omitted.

Printout subscreen:
When the operator presses the printout check button 3214 on the sensor domain screen 3200 in FIG. 16, a printout subscreen 3340 as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. On the printout sub-screen 3340, the number of prints (3343), paper size (3345), enlargement / reduction ratio (2247), duplex printing (3348), sort (3350), resolution (3352), and the like are set. For example, when the operator presses the paper size selection button 3345, a list of paper sizes (not shown) is displayed, from which the operator selects a desired paper size. When the operator presses sorter selection button 3350, a list of selectable sort functions (not shown) is displayed, and the operator selects a desired sort function (including not sorted) from there.

Scan settings subscreen:
When the operator presses the scan / setting button 3215 on the sensor domain screen 3200 in FIG. 16, a scan / setting sub-screen 3370 shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. When one scan setting (six types of photo, text, photo and text, newspaper, drawing, non-designated) is selected from a preset mode selection area 3371 in the scan setting sub-screen 3370, the selection corresponding to the selection is made in advance. The set resolution, scan mode, and density are displayed in the respective display areas 3377, 3379, and 3381. These values can be changed manually using the shift keys 3378 and 3380.

[Retrieve screen]
When the operator presses a main tab 3013 instructing switching to the retrieve (RETRIEVE) main screen on the operation screen 3010 of FIG. 14 (or any of the screens of FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, and FIG. 31 described later). A retrieve main screen 3400 shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. The retrieve main screen 3400 is common to the WWW (World Wide Web) sub-tab 3401, the e-mail sub-tab 3402, the fax (Fax) sub-tab 3403, the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) sub-tab 3404, and the same sub-category. A put-in-to-HD check button 3405 and a print / setting button 3406 are displayed. When the operator presses the sub-tab, the corresponding WWW, e-mail, fax, and FTP sub-screens are displayed as shown in FIGS. At initialization including reset, a WWW sub-screen (3411 to 421 in FIG. 27) is displayed.

Email subscreen:
When the operator presses an e-mail sub tab 3402 on the retrieve main screen 3400 of FIG. 27 (also possible on the screens of FIGS. 29 and 30), an e-mail sub screen 3430 shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. On the e-mail sub-screen 3430, settings for receiving e-mail are performed. When the operator presses each of the input areas 3431 to 3433, a full keyboard (not shown) is displayed, and setting input thereof becomes possible.

Fax subscreen:
When the operator presses the fax sub tab 3403 on the retrieve main screen 3400 in FIG. 27 (the screens in FIGS. 28 and 30 are also possible), a fax sub screen 3440 shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. On the fax sub-screen 3440, a fax number is entered. When the operator presses the input area 3441, a numeric keyboard (not shown) is displayed, and a fax number can be input.

FTP server subscreen:
When the operator presses a sub tab 3404 of the FTP server on the retrieve main screen 3400 of FIG. 27 (also possible with the screens of FIG. 28 and FIG. 29), an FTP sub screen 3450 shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. On the FTP server sub-screen 3450, settings for receiving data from the server are made. When the operator presses each of the input areas 3451 to 3453, a full keyboard (not shown) is displayed, and setting input thereof becomes possible.

HD setting sub screen:
When the operator presses a put-in-two HD check button 3405 (FIG. 27) common to each category, an HD setting sub-screen 3330 similar to that shown in FIG. 24 is displayed. The function is the same as the Send HD setting sub-screen.

[Task screen]
The operator presses a main tab 3014 for instructing switching to the task (TASKS) main screen on the operation screen 3010 (or any one of the screens of FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 27 to 30) in FIG. Then, a task main screen 3500 shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. When the start key 3002 (FIG. 13) is pressed by the operator while the task main screen 3500 is displayed, an automatic retrieve operation is executed in accordance with the parameters set on the task main screen 3500. .

  The task main screen 3500 displays sub-tabs 3501 to 3505 for WWW, E-mail, Print Receive, Fax Receive, and Fax Polling. At initialization including reset, a WWW sub-screen 3511 is displayed.

[Sequence when outputting PDL images]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a procedure for outputting a PDL (page description language) 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 (FIG. 1). The print setting contents are the number of copies, paper size, single side / double side, page output order, sort output, presence / absence of stapling, etc. (see FIG. 25). In the next S5002, when the user gives a print instruction on the PC 401, the driver software installed on the PC 401 converts the code data on the PC 401 to be printed into so-called PDL data and sets it in S5001. The PDL data is transferred through the network 400 to the control device 110 of the image input / output device together with the print setting parameters.

  In next step S5003, the CPU 112 of the main controller 111 of the control device 110 shown in FIG. 4 expands the PDL data transferred via the connector 126 and the network controller 125 into image data based on the print setting parameters ( Rasterize). 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 next step S5005, the graphic processor 151 performs image processing independently of the print setting parameters. For example, if the paper size specified by the print setting parameter is A4 but the paper feed unit 360 of the printer unit 300 shown in FIG. By rotating the image 90 degrees by the image rotation unit 801 of the processor 151, 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 S5006, the graphic processor 151 transfers the image data after the image processing to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.

  In next step S5007, the main controller 111 controls the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155, and transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the printer unit 300 at an appropriate timing. Forward.

  In next step S5008, the control device 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out the 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 images]
FIG. 33 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 illustrated in FIG. The copy setting contents are the number of copies, paper size, single side / double side, enlargement / reduction ratio, sort output, presence / absence of stapling, etc.

  In next step S6002, when the user gives a copy start instruction on the operation unit 180, the main controller 111 of the control device 110 described with reference to FIG. 4 controls the reader unit 200 (FIG. 1) via the connector 160 to The image data is read. First, as described above with reference to FIG. 2, 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 a conventional copying machine (copying machine), the moving speed of the optical unit 213 is changed in accordance with the setting of the enlargement / reduction ratio in the copy setting, that is, in accordance with the magnification in the sub-scanning direction. The zoom processing of was realized. However, in this example, the image data is always read at the same magnification (100%) regardless of the above-described copy setting enlargement / reduction ratio setting, and the scaling process will be described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. It is assumed that this is performed by the graphic processor 151.

  In next step S6003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151.

  In next 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 the image scaling unit 802 described in FIG. 9 which is a module in the graphic processor 151. I do. When the image processing of the image data is completed, the process proceeds to S6005.

  In step S <b> 6005, the graphic processor 151 compresses the image data after image processing in a designated image format and transfers the compressed image data to the main controller 111. The main controller 111 stores the transferred image data on the DRAM 122.

  In next 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. The read image data is stored in the HD by the HD drive 132.

  These operations are repeated as long as a document exists in the DF unit 250. In next step S6007, the main controller 111 transfers the image data to the printer unit 300. At this time, if the image data file to be printed does not exist on 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 unit 153 and the connector 155.

  In next step S6008, the control device 110 controls the printer unit 300 to print out the 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. 34 is a flowchart showing the scan transmission procedure in the present embodiment. In addition, S7001-S7009 in a figure shows each step. In the present embodiment, description will be given below 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 (see FIG. 26).

  In next S7002, 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 160, and performs an operation of reading document image data. First, the document feeding unit 250 shown in FIG. 2 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 this example, image data is always read at 600 dpi regardless of the resolution setting in the scan setting, and resolution conversion is performed by the graphic processor 151 described later in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction.

  In next step S7003, the main controller 111 transfers the image data on the DRAM 122 to the graphic processor 151, and the graphic processor 151 performs image rotation, resolution conversion, and resolution conversion based on the scan setting parameters for the transferred image data. Color space conversion image processing is performed (see FIG. 9). 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 next step S7004, it is confirmed whether or not 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 step S7005. That is, in this case, the main controller 111 files the image data stored in the DRAM 122 in the designated file format, and transfers the filed image data to the HD drive 132 via the HD controller 131. The read image data is stored in the HD of the HD drive 132. Next, the process proceeds to S7006.

  In step S7006, the main controller 111 transfers the image data to the network controller 1004 when the transmission address is set to e-mail, for example, and to the database server 1002 when the transmission address is set to the database. 125 and the local area network 1010 (FIG. 10). When the transmission address is set to the printer 300, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred at an appropriate timing while controlling the printer unit 300 via the graphic processor 151, the printer image processing unit 153, and the connector 155. The data is transferred to the printer unit 300.

  In S7004, if the destination at the time of scan transmission is an e-mail, the image data size on the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit value of the image data size set in the user mode from the operation unit 180 in S7007. If the image data size on the DRAM 122 is less than or equal to the upper limit value, the process proceeds to S7005 and the image data is transmitted as it is.

  On the other hand, if the image data size on the DRAM 122 exceeds the upper limit, the image data on the DRAM 122 is transferred to the graphic processor 151 in the next S7008, and the image scaling unit 802 in FIG. Decrease 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 802 is set so that the resolution is slightly decreased. To do.

  In next step S7009, the compression rate setting of the output interface 811 in FIG. 9 is set to be higher than the setting in the above-described step S7002, and the image data with the changed resolution and compression rate is stored in the DRAM 122. Thereafter, the size of the image data stored again in the DRAM 122 is compared with the upper limit value in S7007. If the size is larger than the upper limit value, the processes in 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.

[Operation example of client PC]
FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a system configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, reference numeral 4101 denotes an image forming apparatus, which includes a scanner and a printer. The image read from the scanner can be transmitted to the LAN 4104, and the image received from the LAN 4104 can be printed out by the printer. The image forming apparatus 1001 transmits an image read from the scanner to a PSTN (public switched telephone network) or ISDN (integrated service digital network) 1030 by FAX transmission means (not shown). The image received from the PSTN or ISDN 1030 can be printed out by the printer.

  A database server 4102 manages binary images and multi-valued images read by the image forming apparatus 4101 as a database. A client PC 4103 can browse / search image data stored in the database 4102.

  FIG. 36 schematically illustrates the operation of the client PC. Reference numeral 4201 denotes a BOX for displaying a data file in the database server. In this embodiment, when icons of files 4202 and 4203 of different formats created by various applications on the client PC are dragged and dropped onto a folder corresponding to the BOX, they are transferred to the database server and can be viewed in the BOX. It becomes possible. Conversely, if the data in the BOX is dragged and dropped and placed on the client PC, the data on the database server can be taken into the client PC.

  FIG. 37 shows a configuration diagram which is a feature of the embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 4301 denotes an image data forming unit in the image forming apparatus 4101, which is a block for storing a scanner and a PDL-printed image in the image forming apparatus 4101. Reference numeral 4302 denotes a format conversion unit that converts data in a specific format stored in the image forming apparatus 4101 into a PDF file. A data server 4303 stores data generated by the image forming apparatus 4101 and data from the client PC 4103. Reference numeral 4304 denotes a data format created by various applications in the client PC 4103. Reference numeral 4305 denotes a format conversion unit that converts data on the PC into a PDF file. In the present embodiment, a format conversion function is provided in a PC-side driver or remote UI application, and is automatically converted into PDF data and transferred to the database server 4102.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when transferring data from the image forming apparatus 4101 to the database server 4102 and when transferring data from the client PC 4103 to the database server 4102, the data is converted into a predetermined format and transferred. Therefore, data browsing and handling from both the image forming apparatus 4101 and the client PC 4103 can be performed. In another embodiment, even if the format of only one of the image forming apparatus 4101 and the client PC 4103 is converted and the data is transferred to the database server 4102, the data can be viewed and handled from the other apparatus. There is an effect.

(Other embodiments)
The present invention supplies a software program (in this example, a program corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 32 to 34) for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiment directly or remotely to a system or apparatus. This includes a case where the system or apparatus computer also achieves it by reading and executing the supplied program. In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, the form does not need to be a program.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. That is, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing predetermined function processing. In this case, the program may be in any form such as an object code, a program executed by an interpreter, and clipped data supplied to an OS (operating system) as long as it has a program function.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card ( IC memory card), ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD-R), and the like.

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program itself of the present invention or a compressed file including an automatic installation function is downloaded from this homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. Can also be supplied. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a user to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention by a computer is also included in the present invention.

  In addition, the program of the present invention is encrypted, stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, distributed to users, and key information for decryption is downloaded from a homepage via the Internet to users who have cleared predetermined conditions. It is also possible to implement the present invention by executing the encrypted program by using the key information and installing it on a computer.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiments of the present invention being realized by the computer executing the read program, the OS running on the computer based on the instructions of the program can execute actual processing. The above-described functions of the embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by performing part or all of the above-described processes.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or The CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiment of the present invention are realized by the processing.

  The present invention can be used in an image forming system including an image forming apparatus, such as a color or black-and-white digital copying machine, a multifunction machine having a communication function, or the like.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole system structure concerning embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a reader unit and a printer unit of an image forming apparatus using four color toners. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reader image processing circuit unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a scanner image processing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram of an ACS count unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer image processing unit of an image forming apparatus using four color toners. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a video count unit of an image forming apparatus using four color toners. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a graphic processor of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an overall system diagram for explaining software of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of software of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the embedded application of the system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a front view illustrating an entire operation unit of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an operation screen of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a copy main screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a sensor domain screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a send initial screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an address book screen of an operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a detailed information screen of an operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a detailed destination (new) screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a detailed destination (person) screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a detailed destination (database) screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a detailed destination (group) screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a hard disk setting screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a print setting screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a scan setting screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a retrieve main screen (WWW) of an operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an e-mail screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a front view showing a fax screen of an operation screen of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an FTP screen of an operation screen of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a task main screen of the operation screen of the operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart showing a sequence when a PDL image is output in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence when a copy image is output in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence at the time of scan transmission of a multi-valued image in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the system configuration | structure which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating operation of client PC. It is a block diagram which becomes the characteristic of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Image input / output system 110 Control device (controller part)
111 Main controller 112 CPU
151 Graphic processor 153 Printer image processing unit 154 DRAM
155 Connector 156 Printer bus 157 Scanner image processing unit 160 CD-ROM
200 Reader unit (reader device)
210 Scanner unit 211 Platen glass 212 Lamp 213 Optical unit 214, 215, 216 Mirror 217 Lens 218 CCD image sensor (CCD)
222 Reader Image Processing Circuit Unit 250 Document Feeding Unit 300 Printer Unit (Printer Device)
310 Marking unit 360 Paper feed unit 370 Paper discharge unit 325, 326, 327, 328, 10103, 10104 Photosensitive drum 321, 322, 323, 324, 10101, 10102 Developer 352 Printer image processing circuit unit 401, 402 PC
701 LOG conversion unit 702 Moire removal unit 703 UCR & masking unit 704 gamma correction unit 705 filter unit 706 output switching unit 707 video count unit 10201-10204 look-up table 10205-10208 integration count unit 10209-10212 toner integration amount storage unit 4101 Image forming apparatus 4102 Database server 4103 Client PC
4104 LAN
4201 BOX
4202 file1
4203 file2
4301 Image data forming unit 4302 Format converting unit 4303 Data server 4304 Data format 4305 Format converting unit

Claims (10)

A data generation device connected to an external device capable of storing data via a communication line,
Data generation means for generating data;
Format conversion means for converting the data generated by the data generation means into a predetermined format;
A data generation apparatus comprising: a transmission unit that transmits the data converted into the predetermined format to the external apparatus.   2. The transmission means according to claim 1, wherein the data converted into the predetermined format is transmitted to the external device in response to an operation of moving a data icon into a predetermined folder on the screen. The data generation device described in 1.   The data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the format conversion unit converts the data generated by the data generation unit into PDL data. A communication system in which a data storage device capable of storing data and a plurality of data generation devices for generating data are connected via a communication line,
The plurality of data generation devices include:
Data generation means for generating data;
Format conversion means for converting the data generated by the data generation means into a predetermined format;
A communication system comprising: transmission means for transmitting the data converted into the predetermined format to the data storage device.   The transmission unit of at least one data generation device of the plurality of data generation devices receives an operation of moving a data icon into a predetermined folder on the screen, and receives the data converted into the predetermined format. The communication system according to claim 4, wherein the communication is transmitted to the data storage device. At least one data generation device of the plurality of data generation devices is
6. The communication system according to claim 4, further comprising data browsing means for acquiring and displaying the data converted into the predetermined format from the data storage device.   The communication system according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the format conversion means converts the data generated by the data generation means into PDL data. A data communication method by a data generation device connected to an external device capable of storing data via a communication line,
A data generation step for generating data;
A format conversion step of converting the data generated in the data generation step into a predetermined format;
And a transmission step of transmitting the data converted into the predetermined format to the external device.   A program for causing a computer to execute the data communication method according to claim 8.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the program according to claim 9 is recorded.

Images