JP3257843B2 - Composite image forming apparatus, image processing apparatus, and control method for image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has a composite image forming apparatus capable of connecting a plurality of external apparatuses with image output and a composite function.
The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a control method for the image processing apparatus .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a printer function for printing an output from a computer to an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus, a scanner function for reading a document on a document table and inputting the same to a computer, and a function for printing an image connected to a public line. A multifunctional composite image forming apparatus to which a facsimile function for transmitting and receiving data and the like is added as an external device is on the market.

In a color copying apparatus, an intelligent processing unit (IP) for realizing an interface with various analog / digital images is also provided.
U) may be connected as an accessory device, for example, a computer may be connected so that a system usable as a printer function and a scanner function can be easily constructed.

In these composite image forming apparatuses, for example, when a scanner function is used, it is instructed to set an image reading setting to an external device from an operation unit of the apparatus main body and start desired reading. It is described in.

[0005] In a composite image forming apparatus equipped with a facsimile function, when performing facsimile transmission, it is necessary to operate a destination telephone number, a transmission mode, and the like from an operation unit of the composite image forming apparatus main body. It is described in.

In the above-described conventional composite image forming apparatus to which an external device is added, an operation screen of each extended function depending on the external device such as a scanner function, a printer function, and a facsimile function is displayed on a display device. The following methods (1) and (2) are adopted.

(1) Operation screen data of all extended functions is stored in advance in an operation unit in the image forming apparatus main body, and is displayed on the corresponding operation screen every time a function is extended.

(2) Each time a function is expanded, operation screen data for operating the function is appropriately provided in a memory of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus main body and displayed.

[0009]

However, according to the display method of (1), since the operation screen data is provided to the user who uses only the copy function, the operation screen data is expanded. There is a problem that a memory is required, a burden on a user is heavy, and cost performance is poor.

On the other hand, according to the display method of (2), in order to expand the memory for the operation unit in the main body of the image forming apparatus,
Each time, there is a problem in operation such as troublesome memory replacement.

Further, the change of the operation procedure and the operation instruction screen accompanying the change of the control program of the external device can be performed not only by changing the ROM in which the control program of the external device is stored, but also by storing the control program of the operation unit of the main body of the composite image forming apparatus. Part R
There is a problem that it is necessary to change up to the OM, which takes a lot of trouble.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in a composite image forming apparatus to which an external device can be extendedly connected, information necessary for controlling the external device or setting functions is provided on each external device side. accumulated, by transferring to the image forming apparatus main body side at the right time, a composite image that can greatly reduce the image forming apparatus main body burden for storing the external device-specific information that is extended to connect to any A first object is to provide a forming apparatus. In addition, the image
For selecting image processing functions of peripheral devices connected to the processing device
Accordingly, the control program previously installed in the image processing apparatus may be used.
From the control based on the program and display data,
Peripheral device for key input and display related to image processing function
Based on the control program and display data transferred from
By switching to control, image processing functions of peripheral devices
Control program for key input and display related to
Image processing function of peripheral devices without storing display data
Accepts and displays key input related to the image processing device
Image processing apparatus capable of performing and control of image processing apparatus
It is a second object to provide a method.

[0013]

Means for Solving the Problems] composite image forming apparatus according to the first invention of the present invention, have a manipulation unit, connect the external device
In the composite image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus main body, wherein the external device and communication means for communicating with the image forming apparatus main body, the external device to the image forming apparatus main body from said outer portion apparatus through the communication means the external device based on the transfer means and a storage means for storing the operating unit control information transferred by said transfer means, the operation unit control information stored in said storage means for transferring operating unit control information corresponding to the And control means for controlling a function setting operation state of the operation unit with respect to.

[0014] composite image forming apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, it has a operation unit having a display unit, Friendly connecting an external device
In the composite image forming apparatus including the ability of the image forming apparatus main body, and selection means for selecting a <br/> function of the connected the external device to the image forming apparatus main body, the screen displayed on the screen of the display unit of the screen state memory means state storing, a first communication means for transferring status and key input information on the operation unit of the operation of the image forming apparatus main body by communicating with the external device, the first An operation for an external device to display on the display from the operation state of the image forming apparatus main body and the key input information on the operation unit and the screen state stored in the screen state storage unit transferred by the communication unit Screen data generating means for generating screen data, second communication means for transferring the operation screen data generated by the screen data generating means to the operation section by communication, and switching from the second communication means It has been at the display screen data edited on the basis of the operation screen data that provided a screen editing means for displaying on said display device.

[0015] The external device of the third according to the invention the composite image forming apparatus of the present invention was only set screen data generation means for generating operation screen data to be displayed on the display unit. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an image processing apparatus, wherein a control program for key input and display relating to an image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing device and display data are transferred from the peripheral device. Transfer step, a storage step of storing the transferred control program and display data in a memory, and a control program and display data previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus in accordance with the selection of the image processing function of the peripheral device. Switching from control based on the control program and control based on the display data stored in the memory. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of an image processing apparatus, wherein after executing an image processing function of a selected peripheral device, the image processing apparatus performs control from control based on a control program and display data stored in a memory. It has a second switching step of switching to control based on the incorporated control program and display data. In a control method for an image processing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of filing an image on a storage medium and retrieving the image from the storage medium. In a control method for an image processing apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of transmitting and receiving an image by facsimile. In a control method for an image processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of converting information transferred from a computer into a printable form. A control method for an image processing apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the control method for an image processing apparatus having a composite function, wherein the key input and display relating to the image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus are performed. Transferring the display data from the peripheral device to the image processing device, storing the transferred display data in a memory, and selecting the image processing function of the peripheral device. Switching from control based on the first control program and display data incorporated in advance to control based on the second control program for key input and display incorporated in the peripheral device and display data stored in the memory. And a switching step. The control method for an image processing apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention further includes a command for displaying the display data stored in the memory from the peripheral device according to the execution of the second control program. It has a transfer step of transferring to the processing device. Eleventh of the present invention
The image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a display means for performing a display related to an input operation for image processing, a first control program for key input and display, which is previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus, and Control means for controlling the display means based on the display data of the first and second control programs for inputting and displaying the image processing function of the peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus, and receiving the display data Receiving means, a memory for storing the received second control program and the second display data, and a selecting means for selecting an image processing function of the peripheral device. In response, the control means changes the control based on the first control program and the first display data to the second control program and the second control program stored in the memory.
Is switched to the control based on the display data. An image processing apparatus according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having a composite function, in which display means for performing a display related to an input operation for image processing is incorporated in the image processing apparatus in advance, Control means for controlling the display means based on a first control program for key input and display and first display data; and key input relating to an image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus. Receiving means for receiving second display data for display from the peripheral device, memory for storing the received second display data, and selecting means for selecting an image processing function of the peripheral device; In response to the selection of the image processing function of the peripheral device, the control means changes the key input and display of the peripheral device from the control based on the first control program and the first display data. It is intended to switch the control based on the second display data stored in the second control program and the memory of the fit. An image processing apparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the control means causes the display means to display the second display data by a command transferred from the peripheral device in accordance with the execution of the second control program. It is. A fourteenth invention according to the present invention provides communication with a peripheral device.
Forming an image on a sheet communicable via means
An image processing apparatus having forming means, wherein the image processing
Based on operating unit control information pre-installed in the device
The first operation unit control sequence allows the image processing apparatus
Control means for controlling the operation unit; and setting of the functions of the peripheral device.
Operation unit control information necessary to perform
Receiving means for receiving and receiving by the receiving means
Storage means for storing operation unit control information;
When using the function of the peripheral device, the control means
The operation received by the receiving means and stored by the storage means
In the second operation unit control sequence based on the operation control information
The operation unit is further controlled. The present invention
According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to communicate with the peripheral device via the communication means
Image processing apparatus having image forming means for forming an image on a sheet
A method for controlling a processing device, the method comprising:
First operation unit based on operation unit control information embedded
The operation unit of the image processing device is controlled by a control sequence
And setting the functions of the peripheral device
Receive necessary operation unit control information via the communication unit
Step and operation unit control received via the communication means
Storing information in a memory;
When using the function,
A second operation based on the operation unit control information stored in the memory.
A step for controlling the operation unit by a working unit control sequence.
It's also having a flop. Sixteenth invention according to the present invention
The functions of the above peripheral devices are
And has the function of searching for images from storage media.
is there. According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, a peripheral device
Noh has a facsimile function. According to the present invention
According to an eighteenth aspect, the function of the peripheral device is a computer.
The information transferred from the server into a printable form
It has a function to Nineteenth invention according to the present invention
Is on a sheet that can execute multiple functions including extended functions.
Control of image processing apparatus having image forming means for forming an image
A method related to a function different from the extended function.
The display for performing the setting is previously assembled in the image processing apparatus.
Steps to be executed based on the input operation unit control information
Required to display settings for the extended functions
Obtain operation unit control information from peripheral devices via communication means
And storing in the memory
The display for performing the setting is displayed on the peripheral device via the communication means.
Operation unit control information acquired from the device and stored in the memory.
And a step of performing the execution based on the Book
In a twentieth aspect according to the present invention, the operation section control information is
It includes operation section screen data that can be displayed on the work section.
In a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the operation unit control information includes:
It includes an operation unit control program. According to the present invention
In a twenty-second aspect, a function different from the extended function is a copying machine.
It includes noh. The twenty-third invention according to the present invention
The extended function includes a facsimile function. Departure
According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the extended function is stored in a storage medium.
The ability to file images and retrieve images from storage media
It has. The twenty-fifth invention according to the present invention
The extension prints information transferred from the computer.
It has a function of converting to a form that can be converted.
A twenty-sixth invention according to the present invention is directed to a case where the extension function is set.
In addition, the display of the operation unit is previously assembled in the image processing apparatus.
From the display based on the embedded operation unit control information, the communication
Acquired from the peripheral device via the means and stored in the memory
The display is switched to a display based on the operation unit control information.
After the setting of the function is performed,
The display based on the operation unit control information embedded
It is to let.

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of a composite image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a document feeder, and the loaded document is 1
The sheets are sequentially conveyed onto the platen glass surface 2 one by one. When the original is conveyed, the original illuminating lamp of the scanner unit 3 is turned on, and the scanner unit 4 moves at a predetermined speed to irradiate the original placed on the original platen glass surface 2. The reflected light of the original passes through a lens 8 via mirrors 5, 6, and 7, and is then input to an image sensor unit (image sensor) 9. Reference numeral 10 denotes an exposure control unit that irradiates the photoconductor 11 in accordance with a print signal signal-processed based on image information read by the image sensor unit 9. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 13. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper stacking section 14 or the transfer paper stacking section 15 in synchronization with the image forming timing with the latent image, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer section 16. After the transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 17, the image is discharged from the paper discharge unit 18 to the outside of the apparatus.

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images to both sides of one transfer sheet will be described.

The transfer paper fixed by the fixing unit 17 is once
After being conveyed to the paper discharge unit 18, the direction of the transfer paper is reversed, and the transfer paper is conveyed to the refeeding transfer paper stacking unit 20 via the conveyance direction switching member (flapper) 19. When the next original is prepared, the original image is read in the same manner as in the above process. However, since the transfer paper is fed from the refeeding transfer receiving paper stacking section 20, the surface of the same transfer paper is eventually Two original images can be output on the back side. Reference numeral 22 denotes an external display unit, which is used for reference or the like for searching for a desired image from image data recorded in a removable storage means such as a magneto-optical disk. Reference numeral 23 denotes a housing corresponding to an external device 34 to be described later, a control circuit of a driving device to be described later, a facsimile function processing unit using a communication line as another external device,
A printer interface function processing section for receiving data from a computer and outputting data from a printer of the main body is included. Numeral 24 denotes a drive unit for a removable storage means such as a magneto-optical disk, which converts an image signal input to the image sensor 9 into a structure conforming to the format of the disk and records it. Reference numeral 21 denotes a registration roller.

Next, a case where a document image is reduced and output on transfer paper will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the composite image forming apparatus main body shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 31 denotes an image reader which has an image sensor section 9 and outputs an analog image signal read by the image sensor section 9 to an image signal control circuit 32. Numeral 30 denotes a CPU unit, not shown, ROM, RA
M, controls image formation of the main body based on a control program stored in the ROM, receives control information on an external device 34 which is an external device connected to the external device through communication processing, and transfers the control information to a backup RAM 302 described later. The control information (including operation screen information) on the external device is stored. Processing is performed by an image signal control circuit 32 controlled by the CPU unit 30, and the printer 3
Reaches 3. The signal input to the printer 33 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 10, and the photoconductor 1 is converted into an optical signal according to the image signal.
Irradiate 1. An operation unit 35 is provided with a display unit for displaying an operation procedure of the main body, an operation state of the main body, an operation procedure of the external device 34, and various operation instruction keys. Reference numeral 30a denotes a memory unit for storing operation unit control information on the external device transferred from the external device 34 as an attached device via a communication unit.

In the composite image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the operation section control information corresponding to the external apparatus is transferred from the external apparatus (external device 34) to the image forming apparatus main body via the communication section by the transfer section. The operation unit control information is stored in the storage unit (memory unit 30a). The control unit (CPU 30b) controls the function setting operation state of the operation unit 35 with respect to the external device based on the operation unit control information stored in the storage unit, thereby controlling the external device regardless of the control procedure of the image forming apparatus main body. It is possible to design and change operation unit control information.

First, the speed at which image signals are read from the image reader 31 is constant. Therefore, by increasing the moving speed of the scanner 4 that irradiates the original, the image information input to the image reader 31 per unit time can be increased, so that the image signal can be reduced in the paper transport direction (sub-scanning direction). it can.

The direction perpendicular to this (main scanning direction) is controlled by inputting / outputting an image signal via the image signal control circuit 32 shown in FIG. The case of reducing to x / (y + x)% will be described with reference to FIG.

In the case of the same magnification, there is no problem because the actual output position P1 and the actual read position P3 shown in FIG. 3 correspond to each other, but when the image is reduced, the image signal is input at the virtual read position P2. Think of things. If the image data at this position is output to the actual output position, the image is reduced, and the image density at the virtual reading position P1 (O2) is calculated from the density value of the image signal input at the actual reading position P3 as follows. No. (1)
Interpolate / predict based on the formula.

O2 = {R3.y + R2. (Xy)} / x (1) Hereinafter, an operation example of the external device 34 shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the operation unit 35 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

First, the operation of the removable storage means will be described.

In the figure, a file key 40 for specifying this operation
Is input, a selection screen as shown in FIG. The user selects a desired process from among image search, image input, and image deletion according to instructions on the screen. For example, when the image search is selected, the display screen of the display unit 41 switches to the contents shown in FIG.

At the time of retrieval, a keyword previously attached to each image data is also displayed at the same time to assist the user in selecting. When the user selects a desired image from the image data list on the screen, the corresponding image data is displayed on the display unit 22. After the user confirms that the displayed image is acceptable, the user inputs the copy start key 42 and the printer 33 outputs image data.

Next, the operation of the facsimile communication function in the external device 34 will be described.

When utilizing the facsimile communication function, the fax key 50 shown in FIG. 4 is pressed down. Thereby, the display screen of the display unit 41 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. 6, that is, the screen for inputting the facsimile number of the transmission destination. Here, the user inputs a facsimile number using the ten keys of the operation unit 35 in accordance with the instructions on the screen, and when the facsimile number input is completed, the enter key (# key) 43 is pressed. By pressing this key, the display screen of the display unit 41 switches to the screen shown in FIG. Then, the original to be transmitted is placed on the original glass platen 2 of the composite image forming apparatus main body, and when the copy start key 42 is pressed, the housing 23
The facsimile control circuit stored therein starts communication.

Further, data transmitted from the computer
An operation for outputting data will be described.

Normally, the mode shifts to a mode in which the remote key 60 waits for reception of data input from outside.
At this time, the screen display on the operation unit 35 switches to the contents shown in FIG.

As will be described later, when output data is transmitted from the computer, the external interface 1011 and the CPU 10 shown in FIG.
10 to the LBP unit 1007 and processed.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing details of the external equipment of the housing 23 shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1000 denotes a composite image forming apparatus main body (main body); In the external device 1001, reference numeral 1002 denotes a selector for selecting whether to take in image data from the main body 1000 of the multifunction image forming apparatus or to send image data from the external device 1001 to the main body 1000. Reference numeral 1003 denotes a rotation processing circuit for rotating image data sent to the composite image forming apparatus or image data from the composite image forming apparatus.
Either the image data from 003 or the image data which does not pass through the rotation processing circuit 1003 or the image data is not output. Reference numeral 1008 denotes an input selector, which outputs image data from the selector 1004 to a file circuit unit 1005.
Or the FAX circuit unit 1006 or the LBP circuit unit 100
7 or output to a plurality of circuit units. Reference numeral 1005 denotes a file circuit unit, and the input selector 100
8 and outputs the filed image data to the output selector 1009. The file circuit unit 1005 includes the drive unit 24 of the storage unit shown in FIG. 1 and an external display unit.

A fax circuit 1006 faxes image data from the input selector 1008 and outputs faxed image data to the output selector 1009. Reference numeral 1007 denotes an LBP circuit unit,
08 to the print memory in the LBP circuit unit 1007, for example, the page description language LI.
Output selector 1009 outputs image data developed by PS or the like.
Output to The output selector 1009 is used to output image data from the file circuit unit 1005 or the fax circuit unit 1.
The image data from 006 or the LBP circuit unit 1007
Is output to either the selector 1004, the rotation processing unit 1003, or the selector 1002. A CPU 1010 communicates with the main body 1000, the file circuit 1005, the fax circuit 1006, the LBP circuit 1007, and the selector 1002.
, A selector 1004, an input selector 1008, and an output selector 1009, and controls the flow of image data, and controls the entire external device 1001 (not shown) through an external interface circuit 1011. 1012 is ROM / RAM
The control program and the work memory are stored in the section. Reference numeral 1013 denotes a CPU bus, and reference numeral 1014 denotes an image data line.

First, the operation of filing a document will be described.

At this time, the user depresses the file key 40 and makes various settings, and then places a desired document on the document table. Next, when the copy start key 42 is pressed, the various settings are transmitted via the communication line 1013 to the main body 100.
0 is sent to the CPU 1010 through the selector 1002. The setting data is sent from the CPU 1010 to the file circuit unit 1005 via the communication line 1013. Based on the transmitted setting data, the file circuit unit 100
In the step 5, the setting corresponding thereto is performed, and the completion of the preparation is determined by the CPU 1.
010. CPU 1010 receiving preparation
Controls the selector 1002 so that the direction of the image data flows from the main body 1000 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Furthermore, the selector 100
4, through the input selector 1005, the file circuit unit 1
The selector 1004 and the input selector 1008 are controlled so as to flow to 005. Thus, the route of a series of image data is determined. Next, the CPU 1010 transmits the completion of preparation for image capture to the main body 1000. When the main body 1000 receives the completion of the image capturing preparation, the main body 1000 enters the above-described operation of turning on the lamp of the scanner unit 3 and moving the scanner unit 4 to irradiate the original. The input signal from the reader 31 is processed by the CPU 30, passes through the image data line 1014, and
2 is input. The image data is input to the file circuit unit 1005 according to the flow of the image data described above. At this time,
When it is necessary to rotate the entire image data, a rotation processing circuit 1
The rotation is controlled in 003. When the rotation is not necessary, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the data without any processing. The file circuit unit 1005 converts the image data into a structure conforming to the format of the disk and records it. When the reading is completed, the reading completion is transmitted from the file circuit unit 1005 to the CPU 1010. Upon completion of the reading, the CPU 1010 disconnects the image data line 1014 with the main body 1000 from the selector 1002. Next, CPU
By transmitting a read end to the main body 1000, the main body 1000 returns to the original state. In addition,
The case of facsimile of an original is almost the same as above, except that image data is input to the facsimile circuit unit 1006 instead of the file circuit unit 1005.

Next, a case where a filed original is printed will be described.

At this time, the user presses the file key 40 of the operation unit 35 to make various print settings. Next, when the copy start key 42 is pressed, the various settings are transmitted via the communication line 1013 to the main body 100.
0 is sent to the CPU 1010 through the selector 1002. The setting data is sent from the CPU 1010 to the file circuit unit 1005 via the communication line 1013. On the basis of the transmitted data, the file circuit unit 1005 makes settings in accordance with the data, and sequentially completes the completion.
Send to 0. Upon completion of the preparation, the CPU 1010 controls the output selector 1009 so that the image data flows from the file circuit unit 1005 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Furthermore, the selector 1
The selector 1002 is shut off and the selector 1002 is controlled so that the selector 1002 flows to the main body 1000 through the 002. Thus, the route of a series of image data is determined. Next, the CPU 1010 transmits the completion of image output preparation to the main body 1000. The main body 1000 that has received the completion of the image output preparation starts the printing operation. The image data is input to the image control circuit 32 shown in FIG. Printer 3
The signal input to 3 is printed by the above-described operation. At this time, when the entire image data needs to be rotated, the rotation is controlled by the rotation processing circuit 1003. When the rotation is unnecessary, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the image data without any processing. When printing is completed,
The print end is transmitted from 0 to the CPU 1010. Upon receiving the print end, the CPU 1010 selects the selector 1002
Then, the image data line with the main body 1000 is disconnected. Next, the CPU 1010 transmits a print end to the file circuit unit 1005, so that the file circuit unit 1005 returns to the original state.

Next, when printing faxed image data or printing data sent from a computer, the image data is replaced by the fax circuit unit 1006 instead of the file circuit unit 1005. LBP
Only the output from the circuit unit 1007 is the same as the output from the file circuit unit 1005 except for the above.

Next, a case where a filed document is faxed will be described.

At this time, the user depresses the file key 40 and the fax key 50 to set various files and a fax. Next, by pressing the copy start key 42, the various settings are transmitted to the communication line 101.
In step 3, the CP is sent from the
It is sent to U1010. This setting data is stored in the CPU 10
10 is sent to the file circuit unit 1005 and the fax circuit unit 1006 by the same communication line 1013. Based on the transmitted setting data, the file circuit unit 1005 and the fax circuit unit 1006 make settings according to the setting data.
The preparation completion is transmitted to the CPU 1010. Upon completion of the preparation, the CPU 1010 controls the output selector 1009 so that the image data flows from the file circuit unit 1005 to the rotation processing circuit 1003. Further, the selector 1004 and the input selector 1006 are controlled so that the signal flows from the rotation processing circuit 1003 to the fax circuit unit 1006 through the selector 1004. Thus, a series of image data
The route of the data has been determined. Next, the CPU 10
Reference numeral 10 transmits the completion of image output preparation to the file circuit unit 1005. CPU 1010 having received image output preparation completion
Starts the image data transmission operation. At this time, the image data
When the rotation of the entire data is required, the rotation is controlled by the rotation processing circuit 1003. When the rotation is not required, the rotation processing circuit 1003 outputs the data without any processing. When the transmission ends, a transmission end is transmitted from the file circuit unit 1005 to the CPU 1010. C that received the transmission end
The PU 1010 sends an image data to the output selector 1009.
Put the line in the disconnect state. Next, CPU1
010 notifies the fax circuit unit 1006 of the end of transmission, so that the fax circuit unit 1005 returns to the original state.

Next, when filing image data that has been faxed or when filing data sent from a computer, the data sent from the computer may be used.
In the case of facsimile data, the operation is substantially the same, except that the flow of image data is replaced, so that the details are omitted.

The transfer operation of the external device operation section control program between the external device 34 and the main unit via the communication line 1013 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an external device operating section control program transfer processing procedure between the external device 34 shown in FIG. 2 and the main body. (1)
(6) indicates each step.

First, an operation unit control program transfer command is sent from the CPU 1010 to the main unit 1000 (1), and a command status (AKC) signal is transmitted in response to the command (1).
0 is transferred to the CPU 1010 (2). The CPU 1010 that has received the command status (AKC) signal transmits the operation unit control program of the external device 34 via the communication line 1013. Upon receiving this, the main body 1000 temporarily stores the data sent to the internal buffer 301 of the CPU unit 30 shown in FIG. 11 (3). The CPU 1010 that has finished transferring all data sends an operation section control program transfer confirmation command to the main body 1000 (4). In response, a command recognition status (ACK) signal is transferred from the main body 1000 to the CPU 1010 (5). Body 10 receiving this
The CPU 30 transfers the data (operation unit control program) once stored in the internal buffer 301 to the backup RAM 302 of the CPU unit 30 shown in FIG.
(6). Thus, the external device operation unit control program transfer processing between the external device 34 and the main unit via the communication line 1013 ends. When a communication error occurs for all commands and the command cannot be recognized, a command disable status (NACK) signal is transferred from the main body 1000 to the CPU 1010. CPU 101 receiving this
0 controls the command to be retransmitted.

Next, transfer of external device operation section screen data between the external device 34 and the main unit via the communication line 1013 will be described.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an external device operation unit screen data transfer processing procedure between the external device 34 shown in FIG. 2 and the main body. (1) ~
(6) shows each step.

First, an operation unit screen data transfer command is sent from the CPU 1010 to the main body 1000 (1), and a command status (AKC) signal is transferred from the main body 1000 to the CPU 1010 in response to the command (2). The CPU 1010 that has received the command status (AKC) signal outputs the external device 3
4 is transmitted via the communication line 1013. The main body 1000 receiving this receives the CP shown in FIG.
The data sent to the internal buffer 301 of the U section 30 is temporarily stored (3). CP that has finished transferring all data
U1010 sends an operation section screen data transfer confirmation command to the main body 1000 (4). On the other hand, a command recognition status (ACK) signal is sent from the main body 1000 to the CPU 101.
Transfer to 0 (5). CPU of main body 1000 receiving this
Numeral 30 transfers the data (operation unit screen data) once stored in the internal buffer 301 to the backup RAM 302 of the CPU unit 30 shown in FIG. 11 (6). This allows
The external device operation unit screen data transfer processing between the external device 34 and the main body via the communication line 1013 ends. When a communication error occurs for all commands and the command cannot be recognized, the command disable status (N
ACK) signal from the main unit 1000 to the CPU 1010. Upon receiving this, the CPU 1010 performs control to retransmit the command. Note that the command disable status (NAC
K) Signal data structure, transfer conditions, and command examples are shown in FIG.
Shown in

FIG. 13 shows the communication line 101 shown in FIG.
3 is a diagram for explaining an external device operation unit screen data transfer method between the external device 34 and the main unit via the external device 3; FIG.

In the figure, (a) shows the data format of the transfer data, (b) shows the transfer method, and (c)
Is a command example, for example, an operation unit control program transfer command (03H), an operation unit control program transfer confirmation command (13H), and an operation unit screen data transfer command (04
H), an operation section screen data transfer confirmation command (14H).

Next, the operation of controlling the operation procedure of the external device in the main body 1000 using the transmitted operation unit control program and operation unit instruction screen data will be described.

As described above, the operation of the facsimile communication function in the external device 34 will be further described.

When using the facsimile communication function, the user presses the fax key 50 of the operation unit 35 shown in FIG. At this time, the CPU 30 of the main body 1000 recognizes that the fax key 50 has been pressed, and switches the operation unit control sequence to the operation unit control sequence of the external device 34 read from the backup RAM 302. The read-out screen data (screen data for inputting the facsimile number of the transmission destination) shown in FIG.
And displays it on the display unit 41.

Here, the user presses the numeric keypad according to the instructions on the screen and inputs a facsimile number. This input control is also controlled by the operation unit control sequence transferred from the external device 34 to the main body 1000.

Here, when the facsimile number has been inputted, the enter key 43 is pressed to confirm the input contents, and the screen of the display section 41 is switched to the screen shown in FIG. This screen display switching control is also controlled by the operation unit control sequence transferred from the external device 34 to the main body 1000. Then, the original to be transmitted is placed on the original platen glass surface 2 of the main body, and the facsimile control circuit stored in the housing 23 starts communication. At this time, the screen of the display unit 41 of the operation unit 35 is switched to the contents shown in FIG. Then, the screen of the display unit 41 of the operation unit 35 is returned and displayed to the content shown in FIG.

In the above embodiment, the operation unit control program and the operation instruction screen data of the external device are transmitted from the external device to the main unit via the communication unit, and the transmitted operation unit control program and the operation instruction screen data are transmitted. The case where the operation procedure of the external device in the main body is controlled by the
The operation procedure may be controlled by the operation unit control program of the external device or the operation instruction screen data via the communication unit by the operation unit control program of the external device. Therefore, the contents to be controlled are the same as in the above embodiment. The method of transferring the operation instruction screen data from the external device to the main body is the same as in the above-described embodiment, and thus the details are omitted. Hereinafter, a case where the display of the operation instruction screen data transferred to the main body side is controlled based on the operation unit control program on the external device side to instruct the operation of the external device will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of an external device control procedure based on the operation procedure information transferred from the external device 34 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (17) indicate each step. Further, a case where a facsimile machine is used as the external device 34 will be described.

When using the facsimile communication function, the user presses the fax key 50 of the operation unit 35 shown in FIG. 4 (1). At this time, the CPU unit 30 of the main body 1000
Upon recognizing that the fax key 50 has been pressed, a command for shifting the operation unit control sequence to the external device 34 is issued (2). As a result, the management control of the operation unit 35 is switched to the operation unit control sequence built in the external device 34, and the CPU 1010 can directly control the operation unit 35 (3). Next, the CPU 1010 backs up the screen data shown in FIG.
A command to be read from the AM 302 and displayed on the display unit 41 is issued to the main body 1000 (4). As a result, the screen data shown in FIG. 6 is displayed according to the operation section control sequence of the external device 34 (5). Next, the user inputs the facsimile number using the numeric keypad according to the instructions on the screen while the screen for inputting the facsimile number of the transmission destination as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed (6). This input control is controlled by an operation unit control program of the main body. After the facsimile number input is completed in this manner, the confirmation key 4
When the button 3 is pressed, the facsimile number is transferred to the external device 34 (7), and the operation unit image of the main unit is displayed so that the screen data shown in FIG. When the display program is instructed (8), the operation unit image display program of the main body similarly displays the screen data shown in FIG. 7 on the display unit 41 (9).

Next, the original to be transmitted is placed on the original glass table 2 of the composite image forming apparatus main body, and when the start key also serving as the copy start key 42 is pressed (10), a status signal indicating that the start key has been pressed, That is, the start key input is transferred to the external device 34 (11). Next, in accordance with the instruction of the operation section control sequence of the external device 34, the operation section image display program of the main body is instructed to display the screen data shown in FIG. 14 (12). Similarly, the screen data shown in FIG. 14 is displayed (1.
3). At this time, the facsimile control circuit stored in the housing 23 starts communication (14). When the facsimile communication is completed in this way (15), the operation section control sequence of the external device immediately issues a command for switching the control of the operation section 35 to the normal main body side (16). Thereby, the display unit 41
Is switched to the normal main body operation instruction screen shown in FIG. 15 (17). At this time, the key input normal state and the screen display normal state of the operation unit 35 are managed and controlled by the operation unit control sequence of the main body as usual. [Second Embodiment] FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a composite image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 1-1 denotes an image input device for converting a document into image data (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit);
Reference numeral -1 denotes an image output device (hereinafter, referred to as a printer unit) having a plurality of types of recording paper cassettes and outputting image data as visible images on recording paper in response to a print command. It is an external device connected to the network, and has various functions. The external device 3-1 includes a facsimile unit 4-1; a file unit 5-1; a man-machine interface unit 6-1 connected to the file unit 5-1; and a computer interface unit 7- for connecting to a computer. 1, a formatter unit 8-1 for converting information from a computer into a visible image, and an image memory for storing information from a reader unit 1-1 and temporarily storing information sent from a computer. Part 9-1, 1 above
-1 to 8-1 are provided.

In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the selecting means (in this embodiment, the operation unit 1 of the reader unit 1-1)
When the desired external device function connected in step 24) is selected, the state of the screen displayed on the screen of the display is stored in screen state storage means (internal memory of each external device), and the first state is stored. Communication means (the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1-1)
Screen data from the state of the operation of the image forming apparatus main body, the key input information on the operation unit, and the state of the screen stored in the screen state storage means (the memory 805 of the formatter unit 8-1 in this embodiment). The generating means (CPU of each external device) is operated by a display (LCD display DIS described later).
P) generates operation screen data for the external device to be displayed on the display device, and the second communication means (CPU of each external device) transfers the generated operation screen data by communication. The screen editing means (such as the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1-1) edits and displays the display screen data edited on the basis of the display screen data, so that the function setting of the external device extendedly connected using the operation unit of the image forming apparatus body When performing the above, it is possible to externally transfer screen data necessary for each function setting of each external device to the main body of the image forming apparatus and display the screen data on the display unit of the operation unit. In this embodiment, the content of the screen state is any of the screens shown in FIGS.
In addition, the contents of a message indicating the screen number of the screen currently displayed on the operation unit, the cursor position, the position of the inverted item indicating the one set in the screen, and the card name correspond.

Further, since the screen data generating means of each external device generates the operation screen data to be displayed on the display, it is possible to display a setting screen which can easily cope with the function expansion of the connected external device.

Hereinafter, the above-mentioned 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
The function of each unit of -1 to 8-1 will be described.

FIG. 18 shows the reader unit 1-1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a printer unit 2-1. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The originals stacked on the original feeder 101 are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the original platen glass surface 102. When the document is conveyed, the lamp 103 of the scanner unit is turned on, and the scanner unit 104 moves to irradiate the document. The reflected light of the original is reflected on mirrors 105, 106, 1
07, sequentially pass through a lens 108, and then input to a CCD image sensor unit 109 (hereinafter, referred to as CCD).

FIG. 19 shows the reader section 1-1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a signal processing configuration of FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described.

The image information input to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and is converted into an electric signal. CCD109
From the following amplifiers 110R, 110G,
At 110B, the signal is amplified according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is
The signal is input to the shading circuit 112, where the lamp 1
03 light distribution unevenness and CCD sensitivity unevenness are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and the external I / F switching circuit 119. The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 based on the following equation (1) to obtain a Y signal.

Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B (1) Further, there is a color detection circuit that separates R, G, and B signals into seven colors and outputs a signal for each color. An output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to a scaling / repeat circuit 114. The magnification in the sub-scanning direction is changed by the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and the magnification in the main scanning direction is changed by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Further, a plurality of identical images can be output by the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing the high-frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit. The signal from the contour / edge enhancement circuit 115 is used for patterning, thickening, masking,
It is input to the trimming circuit 117.

Marker area judgment / contour generation circuit 116
Reads a portion of the original written with a marker pen of a specified color, generates contour information of the marker, and uses the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to thicken, mask, or trim the contour information. I do. Further, patterning is performed by a color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113. The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to a laser driver circuit and converts variously processed signals into signals for driving a laser. The signal of the laser driver circuit is input to the printer 2-1 and an image is formed as a visible image.

Next, the external I / F switching circuit 119 for interfacing with an external device will be described.

The external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the reader unit 1-1 to the external device 3-1.
Patterning, fattening, masking, trimming circuit 11
7 is output to the connector 120. Also,
When the reader unit 1 inputs image information from the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above image information is performed in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 122, and the area generating circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the above image processing from the values set by the CPU 122. The communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the CPU 122. The sub CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3-1 by using a communication function built in the sub CPU 123.

Hereinafter, the printer unit 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The configuration and operation of -1 will be described.

The signal input to the printer unit 2-1 is converted into an optical signal by the exposure control unit 201 and irradiates the photosensitive member 202 with the image signal. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper is conveyed from the transfer paper 204 or the transfer paper loading unit 205 in synchronization with the timing of the latent image, and the developed image is transferred in the transfer unit 206. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by a fixing unit 207,
08 to the outside of the apparatus. The transfer paper output from the paper discharge unit 208 is discharged to each bin when the sort function is working in the sorter 220, or to the uppermost bin of the sorter when the sort function is not working. .

Next, a method of outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described.

After the output sheet fixed by the fixing unit 207 is once conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 208, the sheet conveyance direction is reversed, and the transfer sheet stack unit 210 for re-feeding the sheet via the conveyance direction switching member 209. Transport to When the next manuscript is prepared,
The original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the refeeding transfer paper stacking section 210, so that two original images can be output on the front and back surfaces of the same sheet. .

Hereinafter, the system configuration operation of the external device 3-1 shown in FIG. 17 will be described.

The external device 3-1 is connected to the reader unit 1-1 by a cable, and controls signals and controls each function in a core unit in the external device 3-1. In the external device 3-1, a facsimile unit 4-1 for performing facsimile transmission / reception, a file unit 5-1 for converting various types of document information into electric signals and storing the same are stored.
Information from a formatter unit 8-1 for expanding code information from a computer into image information and a computer interface unit 7-1 for interfacing with a computer and a reader unit 1-1 are stored or sent from a computer. Image memory unit 9-1 for temporarily storing information and core unit 10 for controlling the above functions
-1.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the core unit 10-1 of the external device 3-1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 20 shows the core section 10-1 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the embodiment.

Connector 1001-1 of core unit 10-1
Is connected to the connector 120 of the reader unit 1-1 by a cable. 1001-1 contains four types of signals, and the signal 1057 is an 8-bit multi-level video signal. The signal 1055 is a control signal for controlling a video signal. The signal 1051 is transmitted to the CPU 12 in the reader unit 1-1.
2 is communicated. The signal 1052 communicates with the sub CPU 123 in the reader unit 1-1. Signal 1051 and signal 1
052 is subjected to communication protocol processing by the communication IC 1002-1, and the CPU 1003-
1 to transmit communication information.

The signal 1057 is a bidirectional video signal line, and transmits information from the reader unit 1-1 to the core unit 10-1.
And the information from the core unit 10-1 can be output to the reader unit 1-1. Signal 1057
Is connected to a buffer 1010-1 where it is separated from a bidirectional signal into a unidirectional signal 1058 and a signal 1070. The signal 1058 is an 8-bit multi-level video signal from the reader unit 1-1, and is input to the LUT 1011-1 at the next stage. In the LUT 1011-1, the reader unit 1-1
Is converted into a desired value by a look-up table. Output signal 10 from LUT 1011-1
59 is a binarizing circuit 1012-1 or selector 1013
-1 is input. The binarization circuit 1012-1 has a simple binarization function of binarizing the multi-valued signal 1059 at a fixed slice level, and binarization by a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from pixels around the target pixel. It has a function and a binarization function by an error diffusion method.

The binarized information is “00” when “0”.
H, when it is “1”, it is converted into a multi-level signal of “FFH”,
It is input to the next-stage selector 1013-1. Selector 1
013-1 selects a signal from the LUT 1011-1 or an output signal of the binarization circuit 1012-1. The output signal 1060 from the selector 1013-1 is input to the selector 1014. The selector 1014 converts output video signals from the facsimile unit 4-1, the file unit 5-1, the computer interface unit 7-1, the formatter unit 8-1, and the image memory unit 9-1 into connectors 1005-1 and 1006-1, respectively. , 1007-1, 100
8-1 and the signal 1064 input to the core unit 10-1 via the 1009-1 and the output signal 1 of the selector 1013-1.
060 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003-1.

The output signal 1061 of the selector 1014 is
The signal is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016. The rotation circuit 1015 converts the input image signal into +90 degrees,
It has the function of rotating to -90 degrees and +180 degrees.

The rotation circuit 1015 converts the information output from the reader unit 1-1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 1012-1, and stores the binary signal in the rotation circuit 1015 as information from the reader unit 1-1. I do. Next, in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003-1, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates and reads the stored information. The selector 1016 is connected to the rotation circuit 101
5 and the input signal 1061 of the rotating circuit 1015 are selected, and as the signal 1063, the connector 1005-1 to the facsimile unit 4-1 and the connector 1006-1 to the file unit 5-1 are selected. Connector 1007-1 with interface unit 7-1, connector 1008-1 with formatter unit 8-1, connector 1009-1 with image memory unit 9-1, and selector 1
017.

The signal 1063 transfers image information from the core unit 10-1 to the facsimile unit 4-1, the file unit 5-1, the computer interface unit 7-1, the formatter unit 8-1, and the image memory unit 9-1. It is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video bus. The signal 1064 is a synchronous 8-bit one-way video for transferring image information from the facsimile unit 4-1, the file unit 5-1, the computer interface unit 7-1, the formatter unit 8-1, and the image memory unit 9-1. It is a bus. The signal 1063 and the signal 1
The video control circuit 1004-1 controls the synchronous bus 064, and the video control circuit 1004-1.
Is controlled by an output signal 1056 from the controller.

The connectors 1005-1 to 1009-
1, the signal 1054 is connected to each other. The signal 1054 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus, and exchanges data commands asynchronously. The transfer of information between the facsimile unit 4-1, the file unit 5-1, the computer interface unit 7-1, the formatter unit 8-1, the image memory unit 9-1, and the core unit 10-1 includes:
The above two signals 1063 and 1064 and the CPU bus 105
4 is possible.

Facsimile part 4-1 and file part 5-
1, signal 106 from computer interface unit 7-1, formatter unit 8-1, image memory unit 9-1
4 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. The selector 1016 inputs the signal 1064 to the next rotation circuit 1015 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003-1.

The selector 1017 selects the signal 1063 and the signal 1064 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003-1.
The output signal 1065 of the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching unit 1018 and the selector 1019.
The pattern matching 1018 performs pattern matching on the input signal 1065 with a predetermined pattern, and outputs a predetermined multi-level signal to the signal line 1066 when the pattern matches. If no match is found in the pattern matching process of the pattern matching unit 1018, the input signal 1065 is output as a signal 1066.

The selector 1019 outputs the signal 1065 and the signal 1
066 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 1003-1. The output signal 1067 of the selector 1019 is output to the LUT 1 in the next stage.
020. The LUT 1020 is a printer unit 2
When outputting image information to the printer, the input signal 1067 is converted according to the characteristics of the printer.

The selector 1021 outputs the output signal 1068 and the signal 1065 of the LUT 1020 to the CPU 1003-1.
Select according to the instruction. The output signal of the selector 1021 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 at the next stage. Expansion circuit 102
2 is the X direction, Y direction according to an instruction from the CPU 1003-1.
It is possible to set the enlargement magnification independently of the direction. The enlargement method is a first-order linear interpolation method. Enlargement circuit 1022
Is output to the buffer 1010-1.

Signal 1 input to buffer 1010-1
070 becomes a bidirectional signal 1057 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 1003-1, and is sent to the printer unit 2 via the buffer 1001-1 and printed out.

Hereinafter, the flow of signals in the core section 10-1 and each section will be described. [Core unit 10- based on information from facsimile unit 4-1
1) The case where information is output to the facsimile unit 4-1 will be described. The CPU 1003-1 is a communication IC1
The communication with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1-1 is performed via the 002-1 to issue a document scan command. Reader unit 1-1
The scanner unit 104 scans a document according to the document scan command, and outputs image information to the connector 120. Reader unit 1-1 and external device 3-1
Are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1-1 is input to 1001-1 of the core unit 10-1. The image information input to 1001-1 passes through a multi-level 8-bit signal line 1057, and the buffer circuit 1010
-1 is input. The buffer circuit 1010-1 is a CPU
The one-way signal 1058 based on the bidirectional signal 1057 is input to the LUT 1011-1 according to the instruction of 1003-1.
The LUT 1011-1 converts the image information from the reader unit 1-1 into a desired value using a look-up table.

For example, the background of a document can be skipped. The output signal 1059 of the LUT 1011-1 is
It is input to the value conversion circuit 1012-1. Binarization circuit 101
2-1 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 1059 into a binary signal. The binarization circuit 1012-1 outputs “00H” when the binarized signal is “0” and “FF” when the binarized signal is “1”.
H "and two multi-level signals. Binarization circuit 101
The output signal of 2-1 is supplied to selectors 1013-1 and 1014.
Is input to the rotation circuit 1015 or the selector 1016 via the.

The output signal 1062 of the rotation circuit 1015 is also input to the selector 1016, and the selector 1016 selects either the signal 1061 or the signal 1062. The selection of the signal is determined by the CPU 1003-1 communicating with the facsimile unit via the CPU bus 1054.
The output signal 1063 from the selector 1016 is sent to the facsimile unit 4-1 via the connector 1005.

Next, a case where information is received from the facsimile unit 4-1 will be described.

The image information from the facsimile unit 4-1 is
The signal is transmitted to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1005-1. The signal 1064 is input to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017. When rotating and outputting an image at the time of facsimile reception to the printer unit 2 according to an instruction of the CPU 1003-1, the rotation circuit 1015 rotates the signal 1064 input to the selector 1014. Output signal 1062 from rotation circuit 1015 is connected to selector 1016,
Pattern matching 1018 via selector 1017
Is input to

If the image at the time of facsimile reception is to be output to the printer 2 as it is in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 1003-1, the signal 1064 input to the selector 1017 is input to the pattern matching unit 1018.

The pattern matching unit 1018 has a function (smoothing function) for smoothing out the jaggedness of the image at the time of facsimile reception. The signal subjected to pattern matching is sent to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019.
Is input to The LUT 1020 can change the table of the LUT 1020 by the CPU 1003-1 in order to output a facsimile-received image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density. Output signal 10 of LUT 1020
68 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. The enlargement circuit 1022 outputs two values (“00
H ”,“ FFH ”) is subjected to an enlarging process by a first-order linear interpolation method. The 8-bit multi-valued signal having many values from the enlargement circuit 1022 is supplied to the buffer 10
It is sent to the reader unit 1-1 via 10-1 and 1001-1. The reader unit 1-1 inputs this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 119 via the connector 120.

The external I / F switching circuit 119 converts the signal from the facsimile unit 4-1 into a Y signal generation / color detection circuit 11
Enter 3 The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is subjected to the above-described processing and then output to the printer unit 2 to form an image on output paper. [Processing of Core Unit 10-1 Based on Information from File Unit 5-1] A case where information is output to the file unit 5-1 will be described.

The CPU 1003-1 has a communication IC 1002
-1 and communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1-1, and sends a document scan command. Reader unit 1-1
The scanner unit 104 scans a document according to this command, and outputs image information to the connector 120. The reader unit 1-1 and the external device 3-1 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1-1 is input to 1001-1 of the core unit 10-1. The image information input to 1001-1 is converted into a unidirectional signal 1058 by the buffer 1010-1. The signal 1058, which is a multivalued 8-bit signal, is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 1011-1. Output signal 10 of LUT 1011-1
59 is input to the connector 1006-1 via the selectors 103-1 to 1014 and 1016.

That is, the data is transferred to the file section 5-1 without using the functions of the binarizing circuit 1012-1 and the rotating circuit 1015, while maintaining the 8-bit multi-value. C of CPU 1003-1
When filing the binarized signal by communication with the file unit 5-1 via the PU bus 1054, the function of the binarizing circuit 1012-1 and the rotating circuit 1015 is used. The binarization processing and the rotation processing are the same as those in the case of the facsimile unit 4-1 described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a case where information is received from the file unit 5-1 will be described.

The image information from the file section 5-1 is transmitted as a signal 1064 to the selector 1 through the connector 1006-1.
014 is input to the selector 1017. In the case of 8-bit multi-valued filing, it can be input to the selector 1017. In the case of binary filing, it can be input to the selector 1014 or the selector 1017. In the case of binary filing, the processing is the same as that of the facsimile unit 4-1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In the case of multi-valued filing, the selector 10
The output signal 1065 from 17 is input to the LUT 1020 via the selector 1019. In the LUT 1020, a look-up table is created according to an instruction from the CPU 1003-1 in accordance with a desired print density. LUT102
The output signal 1068 from 0 is input to the enlargement circuit 1022 via the selector 1021. 8-bit multi-level signal 10 enlarged to a desired enlargement ratio by enlargement circuit 1022
70 is sent to the reader unit 1-1 via the buffers 1010-1 and 1001-1. The information of the file unit sent to the reader unit 1-1 is output to the printer unit 2 and an image is formed on an output sheet, similarly to the operation of the facsimile unit 4-1 described above. [Process of Core Unit 10-1 Based on Information from Computer Interface Unit 7-1] The computer interface unit 7-1 interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3-1. The computer interface unit 7-1 includes a plurality of interfaces for communicating with SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 7-1 has three types of interfaces as described above, and information from each interface is transmitted to the connector 1011-1 and the data bus 10-1.
It is sent to the CPU 1003-1 via 53. CPU10
03-1 performs various controls based on the transmitted contents. [Core unit 10- based on information from formatter unit 8-1]
1) The formatter unit 8-1 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file transmitted from the computer interface unit 7-1 into image data. When the CPU 1003-1 determines that the data transmitted from the computer interface unit 7-1 via the data bus 1053 is data relating to the formatter unit 8-1, the CPU 1003-1 transmits the data via the connector 1012-1 to the formatter unit 8-1. Transfer to The formatter unit 8-1 develops the transferred data into a memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a graphic.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter unit 8-1 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described.

The image information from the formatter unit 8-1 is
The signal is transmitted as a multilevel signal having two values (“00H” and “FFH”) to the signal line 1064 via the connector 1008-1. The signal 1064 is supplied to the selector 101
4, input to the selector 1017. CPU1003-
The selector 1014-1 and 1017 are controlled by the instruction of 1. The subsequent operation is the same as that of the facsimile unit 4-1, and the description is omitted. [Core unit 10 based on information from image memory unit 9-1]
Process of -1] The case of outputting information to the image memory unit 9-1 will be described.

The CPU 1003-1 includes a communication IC 1002
-1 and communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1-1 to issue a document scan command. The reader unit 1-1 includes:
The scanner unit 104 scans the original according to this instruction, and outputs image information to the connector 120. The reader unit 1-1 and the external device 3-1 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1-1 is transmitted to the core unit 1 by the cable.
It is input to 1001-1 of 0-1. The image information input to 1001-1 is a multi-valued 8-bit signal line 105.
7. LUT 1011-1 via buffer 1010-1
Sent to Output signal 1059 of LUT 1011-1
Transfers multi-valued image information to the image memory unit 9-1 via the selectors 103-1 to 1014, 1016 and the connector 1009. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9-1 is transferred to the CPU bus 105 of the connector 1009-1.
4 to the CPU 1003-1. CPU10
03-1 is the computer interface unit 7 described above.
-1 is transferred from the image memory unit 9-1. The computer interface unit 7-1 includes:
The above three types of interfaces (SCSI, RS23
2C, Centronics) to a computer (workstation 790 in this embodiment) using a desired interface.

Next, a case where information is received from the image memory unit 9-1 will be described. First, image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10-1 via the computer interface unit 7-1. C of core part 10-1
PU 1003-1 is a computer interface unit 7
If it is determined that the data transmitted from -1 via the data bus 1053 is data relating to the image memory unit 9-1, the data is transferred to the image memory unit 9-1 via the connector 1009-1. Next, the image memory unit 9-
1 transmits an 8-bit multi-level signal 1064 to the selector 1014 and the selector 1017 via the connector 1009-1. An output signal from the selector 1014 or the selector 1017 is output to the printer unit 2-1 and forms an image on an output sheet in the same manner as the above-described facsimile unit 4-1 according to an instruction from the CPU 1003-1.

The configuration of the facsimile unit 4-1 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of facsimile unit 4-1 shown in FIG.

The facsimile unit 4-1 includes the connector 400
Is connected to the core unit 10-1 to exchange various signals. The binary information from the core unit 10-1 is stored in the memory A405
When the data is stored in any of the memories D 408, the signal 453 from the connector 400
Under the control of the memory controller 404, and stored in one of the memory A405, the memory B406, the memory C407, and the memory D408, or a cascade-connected two sets of memories.

The memory controller 404 is a CPU
According to the instruction 2, the mode for exchanging data with the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408 and the CPU bus 462, and the mode for exchanging data with the CODEC bus 463 of the CODEC 411 having an encoding / decoding function. , The contents of the memory A 405, the memory B 406, the memory C 407, and the memory D 408
Magnification circuit 403 under the control of MA controller 402
A mode for exchanging data with the bus 454 from the
A mode in which the binary video input data 454 is stored in any of the memories A405 to D408 under the control of the timing generation circuit 409, and a mode in which the memories A405 to D40 are stored.
8 to read out the memory contents from one of
It has a function of five modes in total, including the modes output to 52.

Each of the memories A405 to D408 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and stores an image of A4 size at a resolution of 400 DPI. The timing generation circuit 409 is connected to the connector 400 via a signal line 459, and receives a control signal (HSYN) from the core unit 10-1.
C, HEN, VSYNC, VEN) and generates signals for achieving the following two functions. One is that image signals from the core unit 10-1 are stored in the memories A405 to A405.
The second function is to read out an image signal from any one of the memories A405 to D408 and transmit the image signal to the signal line 452.

The dual port memory 410 is connected to the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 via the signal line 461.
And the facsimile unit 4 via the signal line 462.
-1 CPU 412 is connected. Each CPU
Commands are exchanged via the dual port memory 410. The SCSI controller 413 is configured as shown in FIG.
Interface with the hard disk connected to the facsimile unit 4-1 shown in FIG. It stores data and the like at the time of facsimile transmission and facsimile reception. CO
The DEC 411 reads out image information stored in any of the memories A405 to D408, and reads MH,
After encoding with the desired method of MR and MMR,
It is stored as encoded information in any of the memories A405 to D408.

Further, the coded information stored in the memories A405 to D408 is read out, and MH, MR, M
After decoding in the desired method of the MR method, the memory A
Decoding information, that is, image information is stored in one of the memories 405 to D408. MODEM 414
A function of modulating encoded information from a hard disk connected to the CODEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413 for transmission over a telephone line;
Is demodulated and converted into encoded information.
The encoded information is transferred to the hard disk connected to the ODEC 411 or the SCSI controller 413.
The NCU 415 is connected directly to a telephone line and exchanges information with an exchange installed at a telephone office or the like according to a predetermined procedure. The facsimile transmission processing operation will be described.

The binarized image signal from the reader unit 1-1 is
The signal is input from the connector 400, passes through the signal line 453,
The memory controller 404 is reached. The signal 453 is stored in the memory A 405 by the memory controller 404. The timing stored in the memory A 405 is generated by the timing generation circuit 409 based on the timing 459 from the reader 1. The CPU 412 stores the memory A 405 and the memory B 406 of the memory controller 404 in C
It is connected to the bus line 463 of the ODEC 411. COD
The EC 411 reads the image information from the memory A 405, performs encoding by the MR method, and writes the encoded information to the memory B 406.

[0125] ODEC41 image information of A4 size
When 1 is encoded, the CPU 412 connects the memory C 406 of the memory controller 404 to the CPU bus 462. The CPU 412 stores the encoded information in the memory B40.
6 and sequentially transferred to the MODEM 414. M
ODEM 414 modulates the encoded information, and
Facsimile information is transmitted on the telephone line via 415.

Next, the facsimile transmission processing operation will be described.

The information sent from the telephone line is NCU
The NCU 415 is connected to the facsimile unit 4-1 in a predetermined procedure. Information from the NCU 415 enters the MODEM 414 and is demodulated. CPU 412
Stores information from the MODEM 414 in the memory C 407 via the CPU bus 462. When the information of one screen is stored in the memory C 407, the CPU 412 controls the memory controller 404 to
7 data line 457 to CODEC 411 line 4
Connect to 63. The CODEC 411 is a memory C407
Are sequentially read and decoded, that is, stored in the memory D408 as image information. CPU 412
Is connected to the core unit 10- via the dual port memory 410.
Communication with the CPU 1003 is performed, and settings are made to print out an image from the memory D408 to the printer unit 2-1 through the core unit 10-1. When the setting is completed, the CP
U412 activates the timing generation circuit 409,
A predetermined timing signal is output from the signal line 460 to the memory controller 404. Memory controller 40
4 reads out image information from the memory D 408 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 409, transmits the image information to the signal line 452, and outputs it to the connector 400. The operation up to the output from the connector 400 to the printer unit 2-1 has been described with reference to the operation of the core unit 10-1, and the details are omitted.

Hereinafter, the detailed configuration and operation of the file unit 5-1 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a view showing the file section 5- shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of No. 1.

The file section 5-1 is connected to the core section 10-1 by a connector 500 and exchanges various signals. The multi-level input signal 551 is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted from multi-level image information into compression information and output to the memory controller 510. The output signal 552 of the compression circuit 503 is stored in one of the memory A 506, the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509 or a cascade connection of two sets of memories under the control of the memory controller 510. Memory controller 510
Are stored in memory A 506, memory B 507, memory C 508, memory D 509 and CPU
A mode for exchanging data with the bus 560, and a CODEC bus 57 of the CODEC 517 for performing encoding / decoding.
0, the data exchange mode, and the contents of the memory A 506, the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509 are controlled by the DMA controller 518 to change the size of the scaling circuit 51.
1, a mode for exchanging data with the bus 562, a mode for storing the signal 563 in any of the memory A506, the memory B507, the memory C508, and the memory D509 under the control of the timing generation circuit 514;
06, memory B507, memory C508, memory D50
9 is read from any one of the memory
8 has five functions of output mode.

Each of the memories A506, B507, C508, and D509 has a capacity of 2 Mbytes, and stores an image corresponding to A4 at a resolution of 400 DPI. The timing generation circuit 514 includes the connector 500
And the signal line 553, and the core unit 10-1
Control signals (HSYNC, HEN, VSYNC, V
EN) to generate signals to achieve the following two functions. One is that information from the core unit 10-1 is stored in the memory A506, the memory B507, and the memory C50.
8, one of the memories D509, or 2
The second function is to store data in the memory A50.
6, memory B507, memory C508, memory D509
Image information is read out from any one of
It is a function to transmit to 56.

The dual port memory 515 is connected to the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10-1 via the signal line 554.
1, CP of the file unit 5-1 via the signal line 560
It is connected to U516. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 515. The SCSI controller 519 interfaces with the external storage device 520 connected to the file unit 5-1 in FIG. External storage device 5 in the present embodiment
Reference numeral 20 denotes a magneto-optical disk (MO) as a storage medium and stores a large amount of data such as image information.

The CODEC 517 reads out image information stored in any of the memory A 506, the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509, and reads MH,
After encoding with the desired method of MR and MMR,
The information is stored as encoded information in any of the memory A 506, the memory B 507, the memory C 508, and the memory D 509. Also, a memory A 506, a memory B 507, a memory C 50
8, the encoded information stored in the memory D509 is read out, decoded by a desired method of the MH, MR, MMR method, and then decoded into any of the memory A506, the memory B507, the memory C508, and the memory D509. The information is stored as information, that is, image information.

The operation of storing file information in the external storage device 520 will be described below.

The 8-bit multi-level image signal from the reader unit 1-1 is input from the connector 500, passes through the signal line 551, and is input to the compression circuit 503. Signal line 551
The upper signal 551a is input to the compression circuit 503, where it is converted into compression information 552. The compression information 552 is
Input to the memory controller 510. The memory controller 510 uses the signal 553 from the core unit 10-1 to generate a timing signal 559 in the timing generation circuit 559.
Is generated, and the compressed signal 552 is stored in the memory A according to this signal.
506 is stored. The CPU 516 stores the memory A 506 and the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510 in a CO
It is connected to the bus line 570 of the DEC 517. CODE
The C517 reads the compressed information from the memory A506, performs encoding by the MR method, and writes the encoded information to the memory B507. When the CODEC 517 completes the encoding, the CPU 516 connects the memory B 507 of the memory controller 510 to the CPU bus 560. CPU
Reference numeral 516 sequentially reads the encoded information from the memory B 507 and transfers the read information to the SCSI controller 519. S
The CSI controller 519 sends the encoded information 572
Is stored in the external storage device 6-1.

Next, a processing operation for extracting information from the external storage device 520 and outputting the information to the printer unit 2-1 will be described.

Upon receiving the information search / print command, the CPU 516 receives encoded information from the external storage device 6 via the SCSI controller 519, and transfers the encoded information to the memory C508. At this time, the memory controller 510 switches the CPU bus 560 to the bus 56 of the memory C 508 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 516.
Connect to 6. When the transfer of the encoded information to the memory C 508 is completed, the CPU 516
0 to control the memory C508 and the memory D5.
09 is connected to the bus 570 of the CODEC 517. CO
The DEC 517 reads the encoded information from the memory C508, sequentially decodes the information, and transfers the decoded information to the memory D09.

When outputting to the printer unit 2-1,
When scaling such as reduction is necessary, the memory D509 is connected to the bus 562 of the scaling circuit 511 and the DMA controller 5
Under the control of 18, the content of the memory D509 is scaled. CP
The U516 communicates with the CPU 1003 of the core unit 10-1 via the dual port memory 515, and
From the core unit 10-1 to the printer unit 2-1.
To print out the image. When the setting is completed, the CPU 516 starts the timing generation circuit 514
And outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 559 to the memory controller 510. The memory controller 510 reads the decoding information from the memory D509 in synchronization with the signal from the timing generation circuit 514, and transmits the decoding information to the signal line 556. Signal line 556
Is input to a decompression circuit 504, where the information is decompressed.
The output signal 555 of the decompression circuit 504 is output to the core unit 10-1 via the connector 500. The operation up to output from the connector 500 to the printer unit 2-1 has been described in the processing of the core unit 10-1, and will not be described.

Hereinafter, referring to the block diagram shown in FIG. 23, the computer interface unit 7 shown in FIG.
The configuration of -1 and the display processing operation will be described.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of computer interface unit 7-1 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, an example of a process of receiving image information from the file unit 5-1 and displaying the image information on the display will be described.

Connector A700 and Connector B701
Is a connector for a SCSI interface. The connector C702 is a Centronics interface connector. The connector D703 is an RS232C interface connector. The connector E707 is a connector for connecting to the core unit 10-1.

The SCSI interface has two connectors (connector A 700 and connector B 701). When devices having a plurality of SCSI interfaces are connected, cascade connection is performed using the connectors A 700 and B 701. When the external device 3 and the computer are connected on a one-to-one basis, the connector A700 and the computer are connected by a cable, the connector B701 is connected to a terminator, or the connector B701 is connected to the computer by a cable, and the connector A700 is connected to the connector A700. Connect a terminator. Connector A700 or Connector B70
1 is input to the signal line 751 via the signal line 751.
The data is input to the CSI interface A 704 or the SCSI interface B 708. The SCSI interface A 704 or the SCSI interface B 708
After performing the procedure according to the CSI protocol, the data is output to the connector 707E via the signal line 754. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10-1.
003-1 is a SCSI interface connector (connector A700, connector B) from the CPU bus 1054.
701) is received. Core part 10-1
Data from the CPU 1003-1 of the SCSI interface connector (connector A700, connector B70
When outputting to 1), the above procedure is performed in reverse.

The Centronics interface is connected to the connector C 702, and is input to the Centronics interface 705 via the signal line 752. The Centronics interface 705 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. Connector E707
Is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the CPU of the core unit 10-1, and the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1.
Receives information input to the Centronics interface connector (connector C702) from the CPU bus 1054.

[0144] The RS232C interface is connected to the connector D703, and the RS232C interface is connected via a signal line 753.
32C interface 706. RS232
The C interface 706 receives data according to the procedure of the determined protocol, and outputs the data to the connector E707 via the signal line 754. The connector E707 is connected to the CPU bus 1054 of the core unit 10-1.
The CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 is connected to the CPU bus 1
From 054, the information input to the RS232C interface connector (connector D703) is received. The data from the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 is transmitted to the RS23.
When outputting to the 2C interface connector (connector D703), the procedure is reversed.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the formatter unit 8-1 shown in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of formatter section 8-1 shown in FIG.

The computer interface unit 7 described above
-1 is determined by the core unit 10-1. If the data is related to the formatter unit 8-1, the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 sends the data to the connector 1012 and the formatter of the core unit 10-1. The data from the computer is transferred to the dual port memory 803 via the connector 800 of the unit 8-1. Formatter section 8-1
CPU 809 receives the code data transmitted from the computer via the dual port memory 803. The CPU 809 sequentially develops the code data into image data, and transfers the image data to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 via the memory controller 808. Each of the memory A 806 and the memory B 807 has a memory capacity of 1 Mbyte, and one memory (the memory A 806 and the memory B 807) can support up to an A4 paper size at a resolution of 300 DPI. 300DP
When the resolution of I corresponds to A3 paper, the memory A
806 and the memory B 807 are cascaded to develop image data.

The above memory control is performed by the memory controller 808 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 809. If the rotation of characters, figures, and the like is required when developing the image data, the image data is rotated by the rotation circuit 804 and then transferred to the memory A 806 or the memory B 807.
When the development of the image data in the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is completed, the CPU 809 controls the memory controller 808 to control the data bus line 858 of the memory A 806 or the data bus line 859 of the memory B 807.
To the output line 855 of the memory controller 808. Next, the CPU 809 sets the dual port memory 8
The communication with the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 is performed via the CPU 03 and the mode in which image information is output from the memory A806 or the memory B807 is set. C of core part 10-1
The PU 1003-1 is a communication circuit 10 in the core unit 10-1.
A print output mode is set in the CPU 122 by using a communication function built in the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 through the CPU 02.

When the print output mode is set, the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 operates the connector 1013.
Then, the timing generation circuit 802 is activated via the connector 800 of the formatter unit 8-1. The timing generation circuit 802 generates a timing signal for reading image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 to the memory controller 808 according to a signal from the core unit 10-1. Image information from the memory A 806 or the memory B 807 is input to the memory controller 808 via the signal line 858. Memory controller 80
8 is transferred to the core unit 10-1 via the signal line 851 and the connector 800. The output from the core unit 10-1 to the printer unit 2-1 has been described in the core unit 10-1, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the image memory unit 9-1 shown in FIG. 17 will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of image memory unit 9-1 shown in FIG.

The image memory unit 9-1 includes a connector 90
At 0, it is connected to the core unit 10-1 and exchanges various signals. The multi-level input signal 954 is input to the memory controller 905
Is stored in the memory 904 under the control of. The memory controller 905 operates according to an instruction from the CPU 906 to
4, a mode in which data is exchanged with the CPU bus 957, a mode in which the signal 954 is stored in the memory 904 under the control of the timing generation circuit 902, and a mode in which the memory contents are read out from the memory 904 and output to the signal line 955. Has functions. The memory 904 has a capacity of 32 Mbytes, and stores an image equivalent to A3 with a resolution of 400 DPI and 256 gradations. Timing generation circuit 90
2 is connected to the connector 900 by a signal line 952, and receives a control signal (HSYNC, HSYNC) from the core unit 10-1.
EN, VSYNC, VEN).
Generate signals to achieve two functions. One is a function of storing information from the core unit 10-1 in the memory 904, and the other is a function of transmitting image information from the memory 904 to the signal line 955. Dual port memory 9
03 is the C of the core unit 10-1 via the signal line 953.
The CPU 906 of the image memory unit 9-1 is connected via the PU 1003-1 and the signal line 957. Each CPU exchanges commands via the dual port memory 903.

The operation of storing image information in the image memory unit 9-1 and transferring the stored information to a computer will be described below.

The 8-bit multi-level image signal from the reader unit 1-1 is input from the connector 900 and input to the memory controller 905 via the signal line 954. The memory controller 905 receives a signal 952 from the core unit 10-1.
The timing signal 9 in the timing generation circuit 902
56, and a signal 954 is stored in the memory 9 according to this signal.
04. The CPU 906 connects the memory 904 of the memory controller 905 to the CPU bus 957.
The CPU 906 sequentially reads out image information from the memory 904 and transfers the image information to the dual port memory 903. The CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 reads the image information of the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9-1 via the signal line 953 and the connector 900, and transfers this information to the computer interface 7. The process of transferring information from the computer interface 7 to the computer has been described in detail, and will not be described.

Next, the operation of outputting the image information sent from the computer to the printer unit 2-1 will be described.

The image information sent from the computer is sent to the core unit 10-1 via the computer interface unit 7-1. CPU 10 of core unit 10-1
03-1 is a CPU bus 1054 and a connector 1009.
The image information is transferred to the dual port memory 903 of the image memory unit 9-1 via -1. At this time, CP
U906 controls the memory controller 905 and the CPU
The bus 957 is connected to the bus of the memory 904. CPU 9
06 transfers the image information from the dual port memory 903 to the memory 904 via the memory controller 905. After transferring the image information to the memory 904, the CPU 906 controls the memory controller 905 to connect the data line of the memory 904 to the signal 955. The CPU 906 communicates with the CPU 1003-1 of the core unit 10-1 via the dual port memory 903, and performs settings for printing an image from the memory 904 through the core unit 10-1 to the printer unit 2-1. When the setting is completed, the CPU 906 starts the timing generation circuit 90
2, and outputs a predetermined timing signal from the signal line 956 to the memory controller 905. The memory controller 905 reads image information from the memory 904 in synchronization with a signal from the timing generation circuit 902, transmits the image information to the signal line 955, and outputs the signal to the connector 900. The output from the core unit 10-1 to the printer unit 2-1 until the output from the connector 900 to the printer unit 2-1 is omitted because it has been described in the core unit 10-1.

Hereinafter, the reader unit 1-1 will be described with reference to FIG.
A communication processing operation between the communication device 1 and each device in the external device 3-1 will be described.

Communication between the reader unit 1-1, the facsimile unit 4-1 in the external device 3-1, the file unit 5-1, the formatter unit 8-1, and the image memory unit 9-1 by the CPU is performed by the core unit 10-. 1 is performed. For example, reader unit 1
-1 sub CPU 123 to facsimile unit 4-1 C
When transmitting a command such as an operation command to the PU 412, first, the sub CPU 123 sends a command to the C
A transmission instruction to the CPU 412 is attached to the command and transmitted to the PU 1003-1. The CPU 1003 sees the transmission instruction accompanying this command and transmits it to the CPU 412. The same applies to the case where a command is transmitted from the CPU 412 to the sub CPU 123.

The reader unit 1-1 and the file unit 5-
Communication with the formatter unit 8-1 and the image memory unit 9-1 is also performed in the same manner.

In this embodiment, a case where an operation screen is transmitted from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Further, the subsequent operation is performed by the operation unit 1 shown in FIG.
24 relates to communication of operation screen information.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the reader section 1-1 shown in FIG.
9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data communication processing procedure of a sub CPU 123 of FIG. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the power of the external device 3-1 is turned on (1). For this determination, a command is transmitted to the CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8-1. When a command notifying that the power is on is not transmitted from the CPU 809 of the formatter unit 8-1,
It is determined that the power has not been turned on, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is YES (a command notifying that the power has been turned on has been transmitted), it is determined that the power of the external device 3-1 has been turned on, and the operation unit At 124, it is determined whether a key for setting the printer mode using the function of the formatter unit 8-1 has been pressed and the printer mode has been set.
(2) If NO, the CPU 809 is notified by a command to that effect, and the processing is terminated. If YES, the CPU 809 is notified by a command to that effect, and whether the reader unit 1-1 and the printer unit 2-1 are normal or not. The CPU 80 determines the operating state such as an abnormality.
9 is transmitted as a command (3). Next, the CPU 809
When this is received, it returns a reception completion command, so it is determined whether this reception completion command has been received.
(4) If NO, end the process. If YES, determine whether or not a key input has been
(5) If there is no key input, go to step (8),
It is determined whether or not the screen data when no key input is received from the CPU 809 is received. If the screen data is not received, the process returns to step (1). If the screen data is received, the process returns to step (9) and thereafter. Proceed to. Note that the reader unit 1-1 and the printer unit 2-1 are collectively referred to as copying means.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5) is YES, a command indicating the type of the pressed key is sent to the CPU 80.
The message is sent to 9 (6). Next, it is determined whether or not the screen data at the time of the key input is received (7). If NO, the process returns to step (1). If YES, the received screen data is stored in the operation unit 124. It is determined whether or not it points to a screen, and if it points to a screen stored in the operation unit 124, step (9) is skipped and the screen data read out in step (10) is displayed on the display unit.

On the other hand, when the screen stored in the operation unit 124 is not pointed, it is created in a predetermined form based on the character strings, symbols, and the like stored in the received screen data (9).
The converted screen data is displayed (10), and the process returns to step (1).

FIG. 27 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of CPU 809 of formatter section 8-1 shown in FIG. Note that (1) to (11) indicate each step.

First, the sub CPU 123 of the reader unit 1-1
It is determined whether a command for confirming the power-on of the external device 3-1 has been received from (1). If this command is not received, the power of the reader unit 1-1 and the printer unit 2-1 is turned on. It is determined that there is no such request, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the determination in step (1) is YES, it is determined that the power of the reader unit 1-1 and the printer unit 2-1 has been turned on, and a command to that effect is transmitted to the sub CPU 123. I do. Next, it is determined by a command transmitted from the sub CPU 123 whether or not a key KEY (see FIG. 29) for setting the printer mode has been pressed on the operation unit as shown in FIG. 28 to enter the printer mode (2). If it is determined that the printer mode has not been set, the process ends. If the printer mode has been set, it is determined whether or not a command for the operation state of the reader unit 1-1 and the printer unit 2-2 has been received. (3), if NO, that is, if the command in the operating state has not been received, the process is terminated. If YES, a command indicating that the reception has been completed is transmitted to the sub CPU 123.
(Four) .

Next, it is determined whether or not the information of the input key type when a key is input on the operation unit 124 is received by a command (5). When the information is received, the reader unit 1-1 and the printer unit are determined. It is determined whether or not it is necessary to switch the operation screen based on the operation state of 2-1 and the external device 3-1 (6). If it is not necessary to return, the process returns to step (1). Proceed to (7) to create screen data based on the currently displayed screen state and key type, and proceed to step (10) and subsequent steps.

On the other hand, if the information of the key type input in the determination in step (5) is not received by the command, the operation status of the reader unit 1-1, the printer unit 2-1 and the external device 3-1 is determined. It is determined whether it is necessary to switch the operation screen (8), and if NO, the process returns to step (1) and YES
If so, screen data is created from the operation states of the reader 1-1, the printer unit 2-1 and the external device 3-1 (9), and the created screen data is stored in the memory 805 of the formatter unit 8 (10). The screen data stored in the memory 805 is transmitted to the sub CPU 123 (11), and the process returns to step (1).

Referring to FIGS. 30 to 43, the operation of switching the operation screen data in the printer mode when the printer key KEY is pressed according to FIG. 29 will be described below.

FIGS. 30 to 43 are views for explaining the switching processing state of the operation screen data in the printer mode in the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, when the printer key KEY is pressed, a command indicating the printer mode is transmitted to the formatter unit 8-1 of the external device 3-1 shown in FIG. The screen data for setting the printer mode is read from the reader unit 1-1 based on the key press instruction.
1 to the operation unit 124.

With the standard screen as shown in FIG. 30 (a) displayed on the LCD display unit DISP shown in FIG. 28,
When the printer key KEY shown in FIG. 29 is pressed, the screen data shown in FIG.
The data is further transferred to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. It is to be noted that online is currently selectable (reverse display).

In this state, the cursor K for designating a selection item can be moved by a cursor key or the like (not shown) of the operation unit 124, and when “Card Meisho” is selected as the selection item, the state shown in FIG. The screen data is transmitted from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 12 of the reader unit 1-1.
4 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. In the present embodiment, the names of the font card and the emulation card are displayed, and when the OK key is pressed, the names of FIG.
The display switches to.

On the other hand, when "offline" is selected as a selection item on the display screen of FIG. 30B, the screen data shown in FIG. 30D is read from the formatter section 8-1 by the reader section 1-1. To the operation unit 124 and the LCD display unit D
Display on ISP. Here, when the user further selects "printer data" as a selection item, the screen data shown in (e) of FIG.
1 and is displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. Here, when "discharge" is selected as a selection item, the screen data shown in (d) of FIG. 31 is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and L
It is displayed on the CD display section DISP. Here, a message “Ejecting” is displayed.

On the other hand, when "printer reset" is selected as a selection item in (e) of FIG. 30, the screen data shown in (e) of FIG.
-1 is transferred to the operation unit 124 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. Here, a message “Resetting” is displayed.

On the other hand, when the down key DOWN is further pressed while displaying (e) of FIG. 30, the screen data shown in (a) of FIG. Transfer to the operation unit 124 and the LCD display unit D
Display on ISP. Here, the printer operation corresponds to a state in which the selection items “environment setting”, “test print”, and “overlay output” are displayed. When the selection item “environment setting” is selected in this state, FIG. Is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP.
When "overlay output" is selected, the screen data shown in FIG.
1 and is displayed on the LCD display unit DISP.

On the other hand, when the down key DOWN is further pressed from the display state of FIG. 31A, the screen data shown in FIG.
Is transferred to the operation unit 124 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. Here, when the operation mode 1 is selected, the screen data shown in FIG. 43B is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and the LCD display unit D
When displayed on the ISP and the operation mode 2 is selected, FIG.
(C) is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. When the operation mode 3 is selected, screen data (not shown) is displayed. The LCD display unit DISP is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1.
To be displayed.

On the other hand, when the down key DOWN is further pressed from the display state of FIG. 31B, the screen data shown in FIG. 31C is read from the formatter section 8-1 by the reader section 1-1.
Is transferred to the operation unit 124 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. Here, a case is shown in which a card name (for example, a control card name, a font card name, or the like), scanner composition, or the like can be selected.

On the other hand, when "feed setting" is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 31 (e), the feed size setting screen data shown in FIG.
-1 is transferred to the operation unit 124 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP.

On the other hand, when “Canvas setting” is selected on the screen shown in FIG. 32B, the screen data shown in FIG. 32C is subsequently transmitted from the formatter section 8-1 to the reader section 1-1. To the operation unit 124 and the LCD display unit D
Display on ISP. In the present embodiment, “Font”, “Interface”, “Performance”, “Copy / Stream”, “Layout”, and “Dump” are displayed as environment setting items. When "font" is selected in this state, the font selection screen data shown in FIG.
35 is displayed on the LCD display unit DISP, and when "Interface" is selected, the interface setting screen data shown in FIG. 1 is displayed on the LCD display DISP, and when "PERFORMANCE" is selected, the PERFORMANCE setting screen data shown in FIG. 37B is read from the formatter unit 8-1. Transfer to the operation unit 124 of the unit 1-1 and the LCD display unit DI
When the screen is displayed on the SP and “copy / output” is selected, the copy / output setting screen data shown in FIG. 39F is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1. When the "Layout" is displayed on the LCD display unit DISP and the "layout" is selected, the layout setting screen data shown in FIG.
The data is transferred to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. When "Dump" is selected, the dump setting screen data shown in FIG. The data is transferred to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP.

Further, when the down key DOWN is further pressed in the display screen state of FIG. 32B, the screen data indicating the selection item “memory size” in the kankyo setting is transmitted from the formatter section 8-1 to the reader section 1-1. Operation unit 124
And displays the data on the LCD display unit DISP, and displays the memory size setting screen data shown in FIGS. 42D to 42F from the formatter unit 8-1 through the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1.
And displays it on the LCD display DISP.

On the other hand, when "Font" is selected in (c) of FIG. 32 and the screen state is switched to the screen shown in (a) of FIG. 33, the detailed selection items "Kanji code" and "Size" relating to the font are displayed. , "Kanji Shotai", "ANK Shotai", "Kanji Graphic Set", "ANK Graphic Set" are displayed, and when the down key DOWN is further pressed, the detailed selection items "Usen Kanji" and "Mukou Scalable" relating to the font are displayed. In this state, when "Kanji code", "Size", "Kanji chotai", "ANK chotai", "Kanji graphic set", "ANK graphic set", "Yusen Kanji", and "Muko scalable" are selected, The corresponding screen data is transmitted from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 1 of the reader unit 1-1. LCD display unit D is transferred to 4
It is displayed on the ISP (see (b) to (e) of FIG. 33 and (a) to (e) of FIG. 34).

On the other hand, when the selection item “Centronics” is selected while the interface setting screen shown in FIG. 35A is displayed, the screen data shown in FIG. The data is transferred to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. When the selection item “RS-232C” is selected, the screen data shown in FIG. 1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and the LCD display unit D
Displayed on the ISP, the detail selection items "Temp.
"Bitchow", "DTR", "Xon / Xof
f, ETX / ACK, and DSR mode are displayed. Here, when the user selects “Temp.
(C) is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP, and when the down key DOWN is further pressed, the screen data shown in FIG. Is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1.
It is displayed on the CD display section DISP.

On the other hand, “bit butterfly”, “DTR”, “Xon / Xoff”, and “ETX” shown in FIG.
/ ACK ”and“ DSR mode ”are selected, the corresponding screen data is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and the LCD display unit D
It is displayed on the ISP (see (a) to (f) of FIG. 36).

On the other hand, in the screen shown in FIG.
When I is selected, the screen data shown in FIG. 37A is transmitted from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 12 of the reader unit 1-1.
4 and displayed on the LCD display unit DISP.

On the other hand, when "Performance" is selected in (c) of FIG. 32, the screen data shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 37 is transferred and displayed. In this embodiment, as the selection items of the stakeholder, “host”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “hide”, “spot”, “debug”, “face”, “sorter”, “ryoumen”, “ There are "2 pages insatsu" and "Kakudai / Shukusho". Where "host",
"Vertical", "horizontal", "Jidohashi",
"Hakushitsuyaku", "Debug", "Face",
When "SORTER", "RYOMEN", "2 page insert", and "KAI" are selected, the corresponding screen data is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1. It is displayed on the LCD display unit DISP (see FIGS. 37 (d), (e), (a) to (f) of FIG. 38, and (a) to (e) of FIG. 39).

On the other hand, when "copy / output" is selected in FIG. 32 (c), the copy / output setting screen data is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and the LCD / LCD screen is displayed. It is displayed on the display unit DISP (see (f) in FIG. 39 and (a) to (c) in FIG. 40).

On the other hand, when “layout” is selected in (c) of FIG. 32, the layout setting screen data is transferred from the formatter unit 8-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and is transmitted to the LCD display unit DISP. Display ((d) of FIG. 40,
(E), (a) to (f) of FIG. 41, (a) of FIG.
(B)).

On the other hand, when "Dump" is selected in (c) of FIG. 32, the dump setting screen data is transferred to the formatter section 8--.
1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1, and
It is displayed on the display unit DISP (see (c) of FIG. 42).

In this embodiment, the menu screen data for setting the printer mode as shown in FIG. 43D is transmitted from the formatter section 8-1 to the operation section 12 of the reader section 1-1.
4 can be displayed on the LCD display unit DISP. In this case, a desired item is selected by the ten keys of the operation unit 124.

In the above embodiment, the formatter unit 8
-1 to the operation unit 124 of the reader unit 1-1 has been described as an example, but the facsimile unit 4-
The screen data of the operation screen can be transmitted in the same manner for the file section 5-1 and the image memory section 9-1.

[0193]

As described above, according to the first aspect, when the operation unit control information corresponding to the external device is transferred from the external device to the image forming apparatus main body via the communication unit by the transfer unit, This operation unit control information is stored in the storage unit. Since the control unit controls the function setting operation state of the operation unit with respect to the external device based on the operation unit control information stored in the storage unit, the control unit controls the operation unit control information regarding the external device regardless of the control procedure of the image forming apparatus main body. Can be designed and changed.

Therefore, it is extremely easy to change the operation unit control information relating to the external device, and it is possible to greatly reduce the burden on the developer of changing the use of the external device, thereby greatly reducing the product cost.

According to the second aspect, when a desired external device function connected by the selection means is selected, the state of the screen displayed on the screen of the display is stored in the screen state storage means. A screen data generating unit for displaying on the display unit the operation state of the image forming apparatus main body, the key input information on the operation unit, and the screen state stored in the screen state storage unit transferred by the first communication unit; Generating the operation screen data for the external device to perform, the second communication means transfers the generated operation screen data to the operation unit by communication,
Since the screen editing means displays the display screen data edited based on the transferred operation screen data on the display device, when performing the function setting of the externally connected external device using the operation unit of the image forming apparatus main body , can be displayed on the display unit of the operation unit transfers the screen data necessary for the function setting of the external device from the outside to the image forming apparatus main body.

[0196] According to the third invention, since the screen data generation means external device to generate operation screen data to be displayed on the display unit, connected to the external device enhancements of easily setting screen corresponding to Display can be performed.

[0197] Accordingly, to provide a provided external device function setting screen data necessary for performing function setting of an external device using the display device of the operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus main body to the image forming apparatus main body This eliminates the need to save significant memory resources for connecting external devices on the main unit.
An inexpensive body can be provided.

[0198] Further, since the function setting screen data with the extension of the external device is also expanded, respectively, eliminates the operation burden such exchanges the memory medium for storing in advance function setting screen data, function settings for extension smoothly an excellent effect such as can be performed. According to the fourth and eleventh aspects, the control program and the display data for key input and display relating to the image processing function of the peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus are transferred from the peripheral device, and the transferred control program And storing the display data in the memory, and selecting the image processing function of the peripheral device,
Since control based on the control program and display data pre-installed in the image processing apparatus is switched to control based on the control program and display data stored in the memory, control for key input and display related to the image processing function of the peripheral device is performed. Control based on the transferred control program and display data when it is necessary to reduce the memory capacity for storing the program and display data in advance and to perform key input reception and display related to the image processing function of the peripheral device. Can be switched to Fifth
According to the invention, after the image processing function of the selected peripheral device is executed, the control is changed from the control based on the control program and the display data stored in the memory to the control based on the control program and the display data previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus. Switching, when it is no longer necessary to accept and display key input related to the image processing function of the peripheral device,
It is possible to automatically switch to control based on a control program and display data on the image processing apparatus side. According to the sixth aspect, the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of filing an image on a storage medium and retrieving an image from the storage medium. When it is necessary to perform key input reception and display, control can be switched to control based on the transferred control program and display data. Seventh
According to the invention, the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of facsimile transmission and reception of an image. Therefore, when it is necessary to perform key input reception and display related to the facsimile transmission / reception function which is a function of the peripheral device, transfer is performed. The control can be switched to the control based on the control program and the display data. According to the eighth aspect, since the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of converting information transferred from the computer into a printable form, key input reception and display related to the form conversion function, which is a function of the peripheral device, are performed. Is necessary, the control can be switched to the control based on the transferred control program and display data. According to the ninth and twelfth aspects, the display data for key input and display related to the image processing function of the peripheral device connected to the image processing device is transferred from the peripheral device to the image processing device, and transferred. The display data is stored in a memory, and the control based on the first control program and the display data pre-installed in the image processing apparatus is performed according to the selection of the image processing function of the peripheral device. Since the control is switched to the second control program for input and display and control based on the display data stored in the memory, the control program and display data for key input and display related to the image processing function of the peripheral device are stored in advance. Memory needs to be reduced, and it is necessary to accept and display key inputs related to image processing functions of peripheral devices. If that can switched to control based on the display data control program and transferred to the peripheral device side. In the tenth and thirteenth aspects, a command for displaying the display data stored in the memory is transferred from the peripheral device to the image processing apparatus in accordance with the execution of the second control program. 2
Can be displayed according to the execution of the control program. According to the fourteenth and fifteenth aspects, the function of the peripheral device is
The operation unit control information necessary for setting
Via the memory, and stores the received operation unit control information in the memory.
Operation unit control built into the image processing device
The first operation unit control sequence based on the information
By controlling the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, the functions of the peripheral devices are controlled.
When used, it is received via the communication means and the
The second operation unit based on the operation unit control information stored in the memory
Since the operation unit is controlled by the control sequence,
The control program required to set the function of the device and
To store operation unit control information such as display data in advance
Greatly reduces the load on memory resources outside the image forming equipment
can do. According to the sixteenth aspect, the peripheral device
The function of the device is to file the image on the storage medium,
Since it has a function to search for images from
Control programs and settings required to set the
Operation unit control information such as
Greatly reduces the load on memory resources outside the image forming device.
Can be reduced. According to the seventeenth aspect, the periphery
Since the device function has a facsimile function, peripheral devices
Control program required to set the facsimile function of
Operation unit control information such as RAM and display data is stored in advance
Load on memory resources outside the image forming device
The width can be reduced. According to the eighteenth aspect,
Peripheral functions use information transferred from the computer.
Since it has a function to convert to a printable form,
A control program required to set the print function of peripheral devices
Operation unit control information such as program and display data in advance
Load of memory resources outside the image forming apparatus for storing
Can be greatly reduced. According to the nineteenth invention
For example, the operations required to display the settings for advanced functions
Section control information from peripheral devices via communication means
Settings related to functions that are stored in memory and are different from extended functions
The display for performing is built in the image processing device in advance.
Function based on the operation unit control information
Display for making settings related to
Operation unit control obtained from a peripheral device and stored in the memory
Set the extension function because it is executed based on the information
Screen for storing in advance the operation unit control information necessary for
Significantly reduce the load on memory resources outside the image forming apparatus
be able to. According to the twentieth aspect, the operation unit control
The information includes operation unit screen data that can be displayed on the operation unit.
The operation unit screen data required to set the extended function
Memory outside the image forming apparatus for storing in advance
The burden on resources can be greatly reduced. 21st departure
According to the description, the operation unit control information includes an operation unit control program.
Operation required for setting extended functions
Imaging instrumentation of order to advance stores a part control program
The burden on memory resources outside the bookbinding can be significantly reduced.
Wear. According to the twenty-second aspect, it is different from the extended function.
Since the function includes the copy function, an extension machine different from the copy function
The operation unit control information required for setting the function is stored in advance.
Image forming device for storing
It can be significantly reduced. According to the twenty-third invention,
Since the extended function includes a facsimile function,
Operation unit control information necessary for setting the millimeter function
Of the memory resources outside the image forming apparatus for storing
The burden can be greatly reduced. According to the twenty-fourth invention
If the extension function filing the image on the storage medium
It has a function to search for images from a storage medium,
Operation unit control information required to set the firing function
Can be greatly reduced in the memory resources outside the image forming apparatus for storing in advance . 25th departure
According to the description, the extension is transferred from a computer.
Has the function to convert the information into a printable form
Therefore, the operation unit control required to set the print function
Image forming apparatus for storing control information in advance
The burden on memory resources can be significantly reduced. Second
According to the sixth aspect, when the extension function is set, the operation unit
Is displayed on the image processing apparatus in advance.
From the display based on the work control information, via the communication means
Operating unit control acquired from the peripheral device and stored in the memory
Switch to the display based on the control information,
After that, it is installed again in the image processing device in advance.
The display based on the operation unit control information
If you no longer need to configure advanced functions,
Automatically incorporates the work display into the image processor
You can return to the display of the selected function.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a composite image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a composite image forming apparatus main body illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scaling process of image data.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of an operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a screen display example of a display unit provided in the operation unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a screen display example of a display unit provided in the operation unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a screen display example of a display unit provided in the operation unit shown in FIG. 2;

8 is a plan view showing a screen display example of a display unit provided in the operation unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing details of an external device of the housing shown in FIG. 1;

10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an external device operation unit control program transfer processing procedure between the external device and the main unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

11 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a CPU unit illustrated in FIG.

12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an external device operation unit screen data transfer processing procedure between the external device and the main unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

13 is a diagram illustrating an external device operation unit screen data transfer method between the external device and the main unit via the communication line shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing a screen display example of a display unit provided in the operation unit shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing a screen display example of a display unit provided in the operation unit shown in FIG. 2;

16 is a flowchart showing an example of an external device control procedure based on operation procedure information transferred from the external device shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a composite image forming apparatus according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a reader unit and a printer unit shown in FIG.

19 is a circuit block diagram illustrating a signal processing configuration of a reader unit illustrated in FIG.

20 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a core unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a facsimile unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a file unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a computer interface unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a formatter unit illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of an image memory unit illustrated in FIG. 17;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data communication processing procedure of a sub CPU of the reader unit illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the CPU of the formatter unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 28 is a plan view illustrating an example of an operation panel of the reader unit illustrated in FIG. 19;

FIG. 29 is a detailed plan view of a main part of the operation panel shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a view showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of screen data transferred for setting an external device function of the composite image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 30 CPU unit 30a Memory unit 30b CPU 34 External device 35 Operation unit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Michiko Hirayu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Koichi Unno 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside (72) Inventor Keiji Inaba 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Masanori Sakai 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. ( 72) Inventor Ken Kuroda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (56) References JP-A-63-184448 (JP, A) JP-A-2-92146 (JP, A) Kaihei 3-242080 (JP, A) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00

Claims (26)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] have a operation unit, in the composite image forming apparatus including image <br/> image forming apparatus connectable to an external device, and a communication means for communicating with said external apparatus and the image forming apparatus main body, transfer means and a storage means for storing the operating unit control information transferred by said transfer means for transferring the operating unit control information corresponding to the external device to the image forming apparatus main body from said outer portion apparatus through the communication means When the composite image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the function setting operation state of the operation portion with respect to the external device based on the stored the operating unit control information in the storage unit. 2. A have a operation unit having a display device, an external device
The in the composite image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus main body can be connected, a selection means for selecting a function of the connected the external device to the image forming apparatus main body, the screen displayed on the screen of the display state a screen state storage means for storing a first communication means for transferring status and key input information on the operation unit of the operation of the image forming apparatus main body by communicating with the external device, the first communication means Operation screen data for an external device to be displayed on the display device from the state of operation of the image forming apparatus main body, the key input information on the operation unit, and the state of the screen stored in the screen state storage means, Screen data generating means for generating the operation screen data; second communication means for transferring the operation screen data generated by the screen data generating means to the operation unit through communication; Composite image forming apparatus being characterized in that anda screen editing means for displaying on said display device a display screen data edited on the basis of the operation screen data transferred from. Wherein the external device, the composite image forming apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that e Bei screen data generation means for generating operation screen data to be displayed on the display unit. 4. A control method for an image processing apparatus having a composite function, wherein a control program for key input and display relating to an image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing device and display data are transferred from the peripheral device. A transfer step of storing the transferred control program and display data in a memory; and a control program and display data previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus in accordance with selection of an image processing function of the peripheral device. A switching step of switching from control based on the control program and control based on display data stored in the memory. 5. After executing the image processing function of the selected peripheral device, the control is changed from control based on the control program and display data stored in the memory to control based on the control program and display data pre-installed in the image processing apparatus. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising a second switching step of switching. 6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of filing an image on a storage medium and retrieving the image from the storage medium. 7. The control method according to claim 4, wherein the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of transmitting and receiving an image by facsimile. 8. The method according to claim 4, wherein the image processing function of the peripheral device has a function of converting information transferred from a computer into a printable form. 9. A method for controlling an image processing apparatus having a composite function, comprising the steps of: inputting display data for key input and display related to an image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing device from the peripheral device; Transferring the display data to a memory, storing the transferred display data in a memory, and selecting a first control program and a display previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus according to the selection of the image processing function of the peripheral device. A switching step of switching from control based on data to a second control program for key input and display incorporated in the peripheral device and control based on display data stored in the memory. A method for controlling a processing device. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a transfer step of transferring a command for displaying the display data stored in said memory from said peripheral device to said image processing apparatus in accordance with execution of said second control program. The method for controlling an image processing apparatus according to claim 9. 11. An image processing apparatus having a composite function, comprising: display means for performing a display related to an input operation for image processing; and a first means for key input and display, which is incorporated in the image processing apparatus in advance. Control means for controlling the display means based on the control program and the first display data, and a second control program for key input and display related to an image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus Receiving means for receiving the second control program and the second display data, and selecting means for selecting an image processing function of the peripheral device. In response to the selection of the image processing function, the control means changes the control based on the first control program and the first display data to the second control program stored in the memory. An image processing apparatus characterized in that the control is switched to control based on a program and second display data. 12. An image processing apparatus having a composite function, comprising: display means for performing a display related to an input operation for image processing; and a first means for key input and display, which is incorporated in the image processing apparatus in advance. Control means for controlling the display means based on the control program and the first display data, and second display data for key input and display related to an image processing function of a peripheral device connected to the image processing apparatus Receiving means for receiving from the peripheral device, a memory for storing the received second display data, and selecting means for selecting an image processing function of the peripheral device. In response to the selection, the control means switches from a control based on the first control program and the first display data to a second control program for key input and display of the peripheral device. An image processing apparatus, wherein the control is switched to control based on a RAM and second display data stored in the memory. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said control means causes said display means to display said second display data by a command transferred from said peripheral device in accordance with execution of said second control program. Image processing device. 14. Communicable with peripheral devices via communication means
Having image forming means for forming an image on a flexible sheet
A processing device, comprising: an operation unit control information previously incorporated in the image processing device.
The first operation unit control sequence based on the
Control means for controlling the operation unit of the image processing apparatus, and operation unit control necessary for setting the functions of the peripheral device
Receiving means for receiving information via the communication means, and storing operation unit control information received by the receiving means
Storage means, and when the function of the peripheral device is used, the control means
Is received by the receiving means and recorded by the storage means.
The second of the operation unit control Sea based on憶the operation unit control information
The operation unit is controlled by a can.
Image processing device. 15. Can communicate with peripheral devices via communication means
Having image forming means for forming an image on a flexible sheet
A method for controlling a processing device, comprising: Operation unit control information previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus
The first operation unit control sequence based on the
Controlling an operation unit of the image processing apparatus; Operation unit control required to set the functions of the peripheral device
Receiving information via the communication means; The operation unit control information received via the communication unit is stored in a memory.
Storing in the When using the function of the peripheral device, the communication means
Via the operation unit control information received through the
Operating unit based on a second operating unit control sequence based on
Controlling the A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: 16. The functions of the above peripheral devices are
Function for filing files and searching images from storage media
16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, comprising:
Control method. 17. The functions of the above peripherals are facsimile machines
The image processing according to claim 15, wherein the image processing has a function.
How to control the device. 18. Is the function of the above peripherals a computer?
The information transferred from the server into a printable form
16. The image processing apparatus according to claim 15, having a function.
Control method of a physical device. (19) Can execute multiple functions including extended functions
Image processor having image forming means for forming an image on a flexible sheet
Control method of the physical device, Table for making settings related to functions different from the extended functions
The operation unit previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus.
Executing based on the control information; Operations required for display to make settings for the extended functions
Section control information from peripheral devices via communication means
Storing in memory; Display for making settings related to the extended function
Acquired from the peripheral device via the means and stored in the memory
Executing based on the operation unit control information, A method for controlling an image processing apparatus, comprising: 20. The operation unit control information is displayed on an operation unit.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising possible operation unit screen data. 21. The operation unit control information includes an operation unit control program.
20. The image according to claim 19, comprising a program.
A method for controlling a processing device. 22. A function different from the extended function is a copying machine.
20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a function.
Control method. 23. The extended functions include facsimile functions
Is characterized by The control of the image processing apparatus according to claim 19.
Your way. 24. The extended function saves an image to a storage medium.
Has a function to retrieve images from storage media
20. The control of the image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein
Method. 25. The extension is transferred from the computer
A function to convert the entered information into a printable form
20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising:
Control method. 26. When setting the extension function,
The display is operated by the operation previously incorporated in the image processing apparatus.
From the display based on the unit control information, via the communication means
Operation unit control obtained from a peripheral device and stored in the memory
The display is switched to the display based on the information, and the setting of the extended function is performed.
After being re-installed in the image processing apparatus in advance
The display based on the operation unit control information
The control method for an image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein: