JP4378645B2 - Image processing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus .

  An image processing apparatus such as a FAX or a copier is provided with operation keys and a display unit. When changing the setting of the image processing apparatus, a setting change menu is displayed on the display unit, and the user changes the setting by operating an operation key while viewing the menu. For example, a setting change is performed such that some functions are disabled or ID information is rewritten.

Various systems have been developed for changing the settings of image processing apparatuses. For example, Patent Literature 1 below discloses a printer for easily changing the initial condition setting.
JP-A-5-85020

  In the prior art, data previously stored in the device can only be rewritten to a value designated by a program previously stored in the device, and therefore cannot be rewritten to one having no information in the built-in program. For example, the built-in program cannot be updated to a new one. Also, the built-in parameter cannot be updated to a new value. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to use a removable storage medium (removable memory) such as a USB memory when changing or adding a built-in program of the image processing apparatus. That is, a removable memory storing a new or added program is connected to the image processing apparatus, and the built-in program is rewritten by reading the program. Even when the built-in parameters (function valid / invalid flag, ID information) are changed, a removable memory storing new parameters is connected to the image processing apparatus, and the parameters are read and rewritten.

  Also, when there are many image processing devices to be changed, the conventional image processing device automatically connects the program and parameters stored in it when a removable memory is connected in order to perform work easily. To be done. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to use a function different from the rewriting of the built-in program or built-in parameter, there is a problem that an unintended setting is performed when the program or parameter is included in the removable memory.

  That is, the conventional image processing apparatus has to set all the stored programs and the like when the removable memory is connected. In addition, it is impossible to select and set one of a plurality of programs or use another function without setting anything. Therefore, a system that can reflect the user's intention when performing automatic setting has been desired.

The present invention has been made in the background as described above. In particular, when a removable memory is connected, even when there are many image processing devices to be changed, the work can be performed easily and the user's intention is improved. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus capable of changing settings while reflecting the settings .

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

An image processing apparatus setting system for setting an image processing apparatus to which a removable memory is mounted is
Mounting detection means for detecting that the removable memory storing data for setting the image processing apparatus is mounted;
Key operation detection means for detecting whether or not a specific input key is operated when the removable memory is mounted;
A setting control means for controlling to execute or not execute the setting of the image processing apparatus when the removable memory is mounted and an operation of the specific input key is detected;
Is provided.

  According to the above invention, setting data such as programs and parameters are stored in the removable memory. Then, when the removable memory is mounted and a specific input key is operated, the image processing apparatus is controlled to be set. For example, if the user wants to set, the user can set it by pressing a specific input key when installing the removable memory. Also, if the user does not want to set, the setting is not made unless a specific input key is pressed when the removable memory is mounted.

  Further, according to the above invention, when the removable memory is mounted and a specific input key is operated, it can be controlled not to set the image processing apparatus. For example, when the user wants to set, the setting is made unless a specific input key is pressed when the removable memory is mounted. If the user does not want to set, the user may press a specific input key when installing the removable memory.

In other words, the above invention
-Set if a specific key is operated when the removable memory is installed.
-If a specific key is operated when the removable memory is installed, do not set it. If not, set it.
It has become either. As a result, the user can reflect the intention to set the image processing apparatus when the removable memory is mounted.

In the above image processing apparatus setting system,
A plurality of the input keys are provided,
Each of the input keys is pre-associated with a different type of setting,
The key operation detection means detects which input key is operated among the plurality of input keys,
The setting control means performs control to execute or not to execute the setting corresponding to the operated input key .

  According to the invention, a plurality of input keys are provided, and different types of settings are associated with each input key. For example, two setting programs “PRINT001.set” and “PRINT002.set” are stored in the removable memory. When the first key is pressed, PRINT001.set is executed and the second key is pressed. If PRINT002.set is executed. As a result, the user can select which setting program to use for setting from among a plurality of setting programs.

  Further, control may be performed so that setting by the selected program is not performed. In the above example, settings other than PRINT001.set are performed when the first key is pressed, and settings other than PRINT002.set are performed when the second key is pressed. As a result, the user can select a program that the user does not want to set.

The present invention
An image processing apparatus to which a removable memory is attached,
A mounting detection means for detecting that the removable memory is mounted;
Key operation detection means for detecting whether or not a specific input key is operated when the removable memory is mounted;
When the removable memory is mounted and the operation of the specific input key is not detected, the mode shifts to a direct print mode in which image data stored in the removable memory is read and printed, and the removable memory is mounted. When the operation of the specific input key is detected, the setting data for setting the image processing apparatus stored in the removable memory is read, and the setting mode for executing the setting is entered. Mode transition means;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the invention, when the removable memory is mounted, the direct printing mode is set if a specific input key is not operated, and the setting mode of the image processing apparatus is set if a specific input key is operated. As a result, the user can selectively execute either the direct printing mode or the setting mode.

Display control means for controlling the image data and the setting data stored in the removable memory to display only the image data in the direct printing mode and to display only the setting data in the setting mode. May be provided.

  In the removable memory, image data is stored in addition to setting data (programs and parameters) of the image processing apparatus. Normally, only image data is required in the direct printing mode, and there is no need to display setting data. In the setting mode, only setting data is required, and it is not necessary to display image data. Therefore, in the above invention, only the image data is displayed in the direct printing mode, and only the setting data is displayed in the setting mode. As a result, only necessary data is displayed in any mode, and the image processing apparatus is easy to use.

A plurality of the input keys are provided,
Whether to execute the setting is associated with each of the input keys in advance,
When the key operation detecting means detects that an input key for executing the setting is operated among the plurality of input keys, the setting corresponding to the operated input key is executed in the setting mode. When the key operation detection unit detects that an input key that does not execute the setting is operated among the plurality of input keys, the input key is changed to the operated input key in the setting mode. You may provide the setting control means which performs control which does not perform a corresponding setting.

  Conventionally, when the removable memory is mounted, the operation of the input key is not required and the setting is performed immediately. However, according to the above invention, the setting is not made unless the input key is operated when the removable memory is mounted. For this reason, for example, even if the user wants to perform direct printing by installing a removable memory in which both image data and a setting program are stored, it is not necessary to make an erroneous setting.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, a multi-function machine having a FAX function, a copy function, and a scanner function is used as an example of the image processing apparatus 2, but it is not necessary to have all these functions to implement the present invention, and at least one function is provided. It is enough to have

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the image processing apparatus 2. As shown in the figure, the image processing apparatus 2 includes a CPU 6, RAM 7, ROM 8, gate array 9, NCU (Network Control Unit) 10, modem 11, EEPROM 12, codec 13, DMAC (Direct Memory Access Controller) 14, and the like. It is configured to include. These components are connected to each other by a bus line 20. The bus line 20 includes an address bus, a data bus, and a control signal line. In addition, a reading unit 15, a printing unit 16, an input key 4 (operation unit), a display unit 17, an interface (I / F) unit 18 in which the removable memory 3 is mounted, and an external connection unit 19 are connected to the gate array 9. ing. A telephone line 21 is connected to the NCU.

  The removable memory 3 is a storage medium such as a USB memory, smart media, compact flash (registered trademark), or small HDD, and is detachably attached to the I / F unit 18. Setting data 5 and image data 30 are stored in the removable memory 3, and these data are read on the image processing apparatus 2 side to change settings and print an image.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of information stored in the removable memory 3. As described above, the setting parameter 5a, the setting program 5b, the additional program 5c, the image data 30, and the key setting information 26 are stored in the removable memory 3. The setting program 5b has file names 28 such as “PRINT001.set”, “PRINT002.set”, and “PRINT003.set”.

  The characteristics of the setting parameter 5a, the setting program 5b, and the additional program 5c are shown in FIG. The setting parameter 5a is a parameter for setting the size and orientation of the printing paper, the tray to be used, double-sided / single-sided, and the like. The setting program 5b is a program for rewriting the entire program stored in the image processing apparatus 2. Here, the program is, for example, a printing program, a display program, or the like, and rewriting is performed when these are defective or upgraded. The additional program 5c is a program for adding a part to the program of the image processing apparatus 2.

  The image processing apparatus 2 has a plurality of models, and the setting data 5 corresponds to each model. In the example of FIG. 3, the setting parameter 5a corresponds to the model 1, but does not correspond to other models. Similarly, the setting program 5b corresponds to the model 2 and the additional program 5c corresponds to the model 3.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 8 stores various programs such as a mounting detection program 8a, a key operation detection program 8b, a setting control program 8c, a mode transition program 8d, and a display control program 8e.

  The attachment detection program 8a is a program for detecting that the removable memory is attached. The key operation detection program 8b is a program for detecting whether or not a specific input key 4 is operated when the removable memory is attached to the I / F unit 18. The setting control program 8c is a program that controls whether or not the setting of the image processing apparatus 2 is executed when a removable memory is attached and an operation of a specific input key is detected. The mode transition program 8d shifts to the direct printing mode when the removable memory 3 is mounted and a specific input key operation is not detected, and when the removable memory 3 is mounted and a specific input key operation is detected. A program for shifting to the setting mode of the image processing apparatus 2. The display control program 8e is a program for controlling the image data 30 and the setting data 5 stored in the removable memory 3 so that only the image data 30 is displayed in the direct print mode and only the setting data 5 is displayed in the setting mode. It is.

  The CPU 6 executes these mounting detection program 8a, key operation detection program 8b, setting control program 8c, mode transition program 8d, and display control program 8e, so that the mounting detection means, key operation detection means, setting control means of the present invention, A mode transition unit and a display control unit are realized.

  Returning to FIG. The NCU 10 is connected to the public telephone line 21 and performs network control such as line connection / disconnection. The RAM 7 is used as a work area for the CPU 6 and a line buffer memory for a developed image development area. The modem 11 modulates or demodulates facsimile data. The ROM 8 stores data such as setting values in addition to the various programs shown in FIG. The codec 13 encodes and decodes facsimile data. The DMAC 14 mainly writes and reads data in the RAM 7.

  The gate array 9 functions as an input / output interface between the CPU 6 and each unit such as the reading unit 15. The reading unit 15 includes an image sensor, an LED light source, and the like, and reads images such as characters and figures from a document. The printing unit 16 prints images such as characters and figures by, for example, an inkjet method or a laser method. The external connection unit 19 includes a connection port corresponding to a standard such as a Centronics parallel interface or USB (Universal Serial Bus), and exchanges data and signals with a personal computer (PC).

  As shown in FIG. 14, an EEPROM 12 (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) stores setting information 12a and various programs 12b to 12d. The setting information 12a is information relating to settings of the image processing apparatus 2, such as the paper size and orientation. The FAX control program 12b, the scanner control program 12c, and the copy control program 12d are programs for controlling the FAX function, the scanner function, and the copy function, respectively. When changing the setting, the setting data 5 stored in the removable memory 3 is read, and the setting information 12a and various programs 12b to 12d are rewritten.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the operation panel 22. As described above, the display unit 17, the input key 4, the up / down scroll key 23, the execution key 24, the cancel key 25, and the like are arranged on the operation panel 22, and the user operates the keys to operate the image processing apparatus 2. Operate or make settings. The input key 4 is a numeric keypad in the embodiment of FIG. 10, but may be a key for inputting characters. The display unit 17 is a panel such as an LCD, and displays an operation state, operation guidance, and the like.

  Next, an example of the key setting information 26 is shown in FIG. As described above, the key setting information 26 is associated with the information 27 related to the input key 4 and the information 29 regarding whether to set or not. In the example of FIG. 5, when the removable memory 3 is installed and the 1 key is pressed at the same time, the program is set. When any of the 2 to 9 keys is pressed, the program is set. do not do. If the program is stored in the removable memory 3 as shown in Fig. 2, all the "PRINT001.set", "PRINT002.set", and "PRINT003.set" are inserted by inserting the removable memory 3 while holding down the 1 key. The program is set. Also, nothing is set even if the removable memory 3 is inserted while pressing any of the 2 to 9 keys.

  Another example of the key setting information 26 is shown in FIG. In this example, when the removable memory 3 is installed and the 2 key is pressed at the same time, the program is not set and any of the 1 key and the 3 to 9 keys is pressed. Is done. For example, if the removable memory 3 is inserted while pressing the 1 key, all the programs “PRINT001.set”, “PRINT002.set”, and “PRINT003.set” are set. The same applies when any of the 3 to 9 keys is pressed. If the removable memory 3 is inserted while pressing the 2 key, nothing is set.

  By setting the keys as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, whether the image processing apparatus 2 is set or not can be controlled by the user's intention when the removable memory 3 is mounted.

  Another example of the key setting information 26 is shown in FIG. In this example, information 27 related to the input key 4, file name 28 of the setting data 5, and information 29 on whether to set or not are associated. For example, when the removable memory 3 is mounted, PRINT001.set is set when the 1 key is pressed, PRINT002.set is set when the 2 key is pressed, and PRINT003.set is set when the 3 key is pressed. If the 4 key is pressed when the removable memory 3 is mounted, all the setting programs 5b are set. If the 5 key is pressed, all the setting programs 5b are not set. If the 6-9 key is pressed or none is pressed, no setting program 5b is set.

  The key setting information 26 may be stored in the removable memory 3 as shown in FIG. When the key setting information 26 is stored in the removable memory 3, the user can freely set the correspondence between the file name 28 and the input key 4. When storing in the ROM 8, the file name 28 is fixed.

  A large company uses a large number of image processing apparatuses 2 and may use different setting programs 5b for different departments or different setting parameters 5a. When changing the programs of these many image processing apparatuses 2, conventionally, when the removable memory 3 is installed, it is automatically set by the setting program 5 b stored in the removable memory 3. Only one type of setting program 5b corresponding to each department or model could be stored. Therefore, a person who changes the settings of the image processing apparatus 2 (for example, a service person) has a plurality of removable memories 3 and selects the removable memory 3 in which the setting program 5b corresponding to the department or model is stored. There was a need. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 7, a plurality of types of setting programs 5b can be stored in one removable memory 3 and any one of them can be selected and set. There is no need to have 3.

  Next, operations of the attachment detection program 8a, the key operation detection program 8b, and the setting control program 8c will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, when the user attaches the removable memory 3 (S1), the attachment detection program 8a detects that it is attached (S2). Next, the process proceeds to S3, and the key pressed simultaneously with the installation of the removable memory 3 is acquired. Here, for example, when the input key 4 is a numeric keypad, it is detected which one of 1 to 9 has been pressed or none has been pressed. Thereafter, a setting availability determination process in S4 is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the process of S4 includes steps S7 to S12. First, in S7, the key setting information 26 (see FIGS. 5 to 6) is searched, and information associated with the pressed input key 4 is acquired. Next, the process proceeds to S8, where it is determined whether or not to set. For example, when the key is set as shown in FIG. 7, if no key is pressed, it is determined that the key is not set, and the process proceeds to S12. If any of the keys 1 to 4 is pressed, it is determined to “set” and the process proceeds to S9. In S9, the corresponding setting program 5b is searched from the removable memory 3. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the setting data 5 exists (S10). If it exists, the process proceeds to S11, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to S12.

  After the process of S4 (S7 to S12) is completed, the process proceeds to S5 in FIG. 8 to determine whether setting is possible. Here, it is determined whether or not the setting program 5b corresponds to the model of the image processing apparatus 2. If setting is possible, the process proceeds to S6 to execute setting processing. If setting is not possible, S6 is skipped and the process is terminated.

  Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 10 is a display example of the direct print mode. As described above, the setting parameter 5a, the setting program 5b, the additional program 5c, the image data 30, the key setting information 26, and the like are stored in the removable memory 3 (see FIG. 2). If the input key 4 is not pressed when the removable memory 3 is installed, the mode shifts to the direct print mode and the display shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. The direct print mode is a mode for reading the image data 30 stored in the removable memory 3 and printing it without using a personal computer or the like. In this mode, the setting parameter 5a and the setting program 5b are not displayed because they are not necessary.

  In the direct printing mode, as shown in FIG. 10, the file name 28 of the printable image data 30 is displayed, and a selection mark 31 is displayed on the right side thereof. The user can select any of the displayed image data 30 by operating the up / down key 23. When the execution key 24 is pressed, the selected image data 30 is printed.

  On the other hand, when the specific input key 4 is pressed when the removable memory 3 is mounted, the setting mode shown in FIG. 11 is entered. In the setting mode, the setting parameter 5a and the file name 28 of the setting program 5b are displayed and can be selected and set. In this mode, the image data 30 is unnecessary and is not displayed.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart for displaying the direct printing mode or the setting mode. When the user mounts the removable memory 3 (S13), the mounting detection program 8a detects that it is mounted (S14). Next, the process proceeds to S15, and the key pressed simultaneously with the installation of the removable memory 3 is acquired. Here, for example, when the input key 4 is a numeric keypad, it is detected which one of the numbers 1 to 9 has been pressed or none has been pressed. Thereafter, the key setting information 26 is acquired (S16). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the key setting information 26 of this embodiment associates a specific input key 4 with a mode to be shifted. In this example, when any one of the 1 to 9 keys is pressed, the setting mode is shifted, and when none is pressed, the direct printing mode is shifted.

  Returning to FIG. After the process of S16 is completed, it is determined whether or not to shift to the direct mode (S17). If yes, the process moves to S18 to display the direct print mode. If No, the process moves to S19, and the setting mode is displayed.

  As described above, in the above embodiment, when the removable memory 3 is mounted, if the specific input key 4 is operated, the mode is shifted to the setting mode. If not, the mode is shifted to the direct printing mode. The user can decide whether to do it.

  Also, the direct printing mode is often used rather than the setting mode. When shifting to the direct printing mode, which is frequently used, the operation of the input key 4 is not necessary, so that the operation is simple.

1 is a block diagram of an image processing apparatus. An example of information stored in the removable memory. A table summarizing the characteristics of the setting data A program stored in ROM. An example of key setting information. Another example of key setting information. Another example of key setting information. Overall flowchart. 7 is a flowchart for determining whether setting is possible. Display example of direct print mode. Setting mode display example. FIG. 10 is a flowchart different from FIG. Another example of key setting information. Information stored in the EEPROM.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image processing apparatus setting system 2 Image processing apparatus 3 Removable memory 4 Input key 5 Setting data 8a Attachment detection program 8b Key operation detection program 8c Setting control program 8d Mode transition program 8e Display control program 30 Image data

Claims (2)

An image processing apparatus to which a removable memory is attached,
A mounting detection means for detecting that the removable memory is mounted;
Key operation detection means for detecting whether or not a specific input key is operated when the removable memory is mounted;
When the removable memory is mounted and the operation of the specific input key is not detected, the mode shifts to a direct print mode in which image data stored in the removable memory is read and printed, and the removable memory is mounted. When the operation of the specific input key is detected, the setting data for setting the image processing apparatus stored in the removable memory is read, and the setting mode for executing the setting is entered. Mode transition means;
An image processing apparatus comprising:   Of the image data and the setting data stored in the removable memory, display control means is provided for controlling to display only the image data in the direct printing mode and to display only the setting data in the setting mode. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images