JP4564601B2 - Image data storage device and control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionImage data storage device and control methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Recent printers and multifunction peripherals have a spool function (a function that increases the processing efficiency of the entire computer by operating a low-speed input / output device such as a printer in parallel with the CPU) and an electronic sort function (electronically changes the page order). In many cases, a large-capacity hard disk is installed in order to realize a function of printing in a uniform manner or sorting into multiple copies. In addition, many have a network function, and a scanning function via a network as well as printing is realized, and a function for easily creating a Web page has also been proposed. In the case of network scanning, a method is considered in which scanning is performed by a scanner operation unit in consideration of operability, image data is stored in a hard disk built in the scanner, and image data is sucked up from a personal computer (PC) via a network.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the above-described prior art has the following problems. That is, even if a network scanner or a multifunction peripheral is equipped with a large-capacity hard disk, its capacity is limited, and it is generally insufficient to store image data that tends to increase the size of one file. there were. In particular, in the case of a multifunction machine, there are not a few storage areas to be secured by other functions such as a spool function and an electronic sort function. Further, even when image data is stored on a removable medium or the like, there is a problem that the user has to use it consciously where the image data is stored, which is inconvenient.
[0004]
  The present invention has been made in view of the above points,Even if image data is stored in another storage device due to the free space of the image data storage device, the image data is downloaded from the image data storage device using the index information without being aware of it.Made it possibleImage data storage device and control methodThe purpose is to provide.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To achieve the above object, the present inventionImage data storage deviceIs an image data storage device connectable to an external information processing device and an external storage device via a network, and an input means for inputting image data;By the input meansinputdidimage dataReduced image data generated from the input image dataStorage means for storing, generation means for generating index information indicating a list of image data stored in the storage means, and the index information to the external information processing apparatus based on a request from the external information processing apparatus Transmitting means for transmitting, and the storage meansPredeterminedA change means for changing the storage destination so as to store the input image data in the external storage device when it does not have a free space,Without the change means changing the storage destinationWhen the storage means stores the input image data,The storage means stores the reduced image data generated from the input image data,The generating means adds information indicating the input image data, information for the external information processing apparatus to download the input image data from the storage means, and information indicating the reduced image data to the index information. When the storage destination is changed so that the changing unit stores the input image data in the external storage device,The storage means stores the reduced image data generated from the input image data,The generation unit includes information indicating the input image data and the image data input by the external information processing apparatus.Without going through the image data storage deviceInformation for downloading from the external storage device and information indicating the reduced image data are added to the index information.
[0046]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0047]
[1] First embodiment
In the first embodiment of the present invention, a case where a network scanner is used as an electronic document creation apparatus will be described as an example. In the first embodiment of the present invention, image data scanned by a network scanner is stored in a file server connected via a network, and the user who extracts the stored image data stores where the image data is stored. The feature is that you do not have to be conscious of.
[0048]
  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a network system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a second embodiment described later.ShowFIG. The electronic document creation apparatus and the external device of the network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the second embodiment to be described later are connected via a network 111. The electronic document creation apparatus includes an electronic document creation unit 101, a storage unit 102, an electronic document provision unit 103, a transfer unit 104, an electronic document update unit 105, a designation unit 106, a capacity detection unit 107, and a switching unit 108. The device includes an external storage unit 109 and an external electronic document providing unit 110. In FIG. 1, only one external device is shown for convenience.
[0049]
In detail, the electronic document creation unit 101 creates an electronic document in a predetermined format. The storage unit 102 stores an electronic document including at least one specific electronic document (index Web page, Web page) in a predetermined format. The electronic document providing unit 103 causes the designated electronic document in the storage unit 102 to be transferred to the external device based on a browsing request from the external device. The transfer unit 104 transfers the created or designated electronic document to an external device. When the electronic document is transferred to the external device, the electronic document update unit 105 adds the information to the specific electronic document in the storage unit 102 and updates the information, and at the time of storing the created electronic document in the storage unit 102 by the switching unit 108. Update specific electronic documents.
[0050]
The designating unit 106 designates an external device (IP address) as an electronic document transfer destination.
The capacity detection unit 107 detects the free capacity of the storage unit 102. The switching unit 108 stores the created electronic document in the storage unit 102 when the free capacity of the storage unit 102 is larger than the predetermined amount, and transfers the created electronic document to the external device when the free capacity of the storage unit 102 is smaller than the predetermined amount. Let The external storage unit 109 stores the electronic document transferred from the electronic document creation device in a predetermined format. The external electronic document providing means 110 provides the electronic document creating apparatus with the designated electronic document in the external storage means 109 based on a browsing request from the electronic document creating apparatus.
[0051]
The electronic document creation unit 101 corresponds to the scanner unit 203 in FIG. 2 and the printer engine 703 in FIG. 7, and the electronic document provision unit 103, the electronic document update unit 105, the capacity detection unit 107, and the switching unit 108 correspond to FIGS. 8 corresponds to the CPUs 302 and 802 in FIG. 8, the storage means 102 corresponds to the hard disks 307 and 807 in FIGS. 3 and 8, and the transfer means 104 corresponds to the LAN controllers 308 and 808 in FIGS. 106 corresponds to the operation unit 315 in FIG. 3 and the LCD touch panel 918 in FIG. 9. Further, the external storage unit 109 and the external electronic document providing unit 110 are provided in the UNIX workstation 204 or the personal computer 205 in FIG.
[0052]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a network scanner 201 including a scanner controller 202 and a scanner unit 203, a UNIX workstation (WS) 204, a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 205. The network is connected to the network 206. The configuration in FIG. 2 is an example and is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Further, only one personal computer is shown for convenience.
[0053]
In detail, the network scanner 201 includes a scanner unit 203 that scans an original image into digital image data, and a scanner controller 202 that processes data transfer via a user interface or the network 206. Yes. The UNIX workstation 204 is a device compatible with UNIX (operating system for time sharing system) and is used for storing image files. A plurality of personal computers 205... Share the network scanner 201 via the network 206.
[0054]
The network 206 uses TCP (Transmission Control Protocol: network transport layer communication protocol) / IP (Internet Protocol: Internet layer protocol) as a protocol, and is an intranet (local network configured using Internet technology). ). Since the scanner unit 203, the UNIX workstation 204, and the personal computer 205 are well known, description of the internal configuration is omitted.
[0055]
In the intranet as described above, the personal computer 205 uses a web browser application software such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer to access and share information with a web server (not shown) connected to the intranet or the Internet. The scanner controller 202 of the network scanner 201 has a Web server function and can manage scanned image data.
[0056]
The user places a document to be read by the scanner unit 203 of the network scanner 201, sets a resolution or the like if necessary from the operation unit of the scanner controller 202, and starts a scanning operation. Accordingly, the scan image data is stored in the hard disk in the scanner controller 202 or the hard disk in the UNIX workstation 204. The user can select and download a scanned image by browsing the Web page of the network scanner 201 from the personal computer 205 owned by the user using the Web browser application.
[0057]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the scanner controller 202 of the network scanner 201 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The scanner controller 202 includes a CPU bus 301, a CPU 302, a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller 303, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, a hard disk interface (HDD I / F) 306, a hard disk (HDD) 307, a LAN (Local Area Network) controller 308, a driver. / Receiver 309, FIFO (First In First Out) memory 310, receiver 311, serial communication controller 312, I / O port 313, operation unit 315, and connectors 316 and 317.
[0058]
The configuration of each unit will be described in detail. The CPU 302 is a central processing unit that controls each unit of the scanner controller 202 connected to the CPU bus 301 based on firmware, and executes processing shown in a flowchart of FIG. The DMA controller 303 controls DMA transfer of data. Firmware for controlling the scanner controller 202 is written in the ROM 304. The RAM 305 is used as a work area and also as a frame memory capable of storing, for example, two pages of raster images scanned by the scan unit 203.
[0059]
A hard disk interface 306 is an interface used when the CPU 302 writes / reads image data to / from the hard disk 307.
The hard disk 307 stores image data, index web pages, and the like. The LAN controller 308 controls data transmission / reception with the network. The driver / receiver 309 is interposed between the serial communication controller 312 and the connector 317 and performs data transmission / reception. The FIFO memory 310 stores data by a first-in first-out method. The receiver 311 is interposed between the FIFO memory 310 and the connector 317 and performs data transfer.
[0060]
The serial communication controller 312 controls serial communication with the scanner unit 203 via the driver / receiver 309. The I / O port 313 transmits an input signal from the operation unit 315 to the CPU 302 and an output signal from the CPU 302 to the operation unit 315 via the CPU bus 301. The operation unit 315 includes a scan activation button, buttons for various settings, and a display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (liquid crystal display). A connector 316 connects the scanner controller 202 and the network 206. A connector 317 connects the scanner controller 202 and the scanner unit 203.
[0061]
The scanner controller 202 having the above-described configuration has a function of performing file transfer by FTP (File Transfer Protocol: software having a file transfer function on the Internet) via the LAN controller 308. Further, the scanner controller 202 has an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol: a protocol for a WWW client to communicate with the server) server function, and responds to a Web page browsing request sent via the network 206 by HTML (Hyper. Text Markup Language (Hypertext Description Language) file and the like are sent back.
[0062]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an index Web page used by the user according to the first embodiment of the present invention to retrieve an image scanned by the network scanner 201 from the personal computer 205 connected to the network 206. This page is in the hard disk 307 of the scanner controller 202 of the network scanner 201 from the beginning, and is updated whenever scan image data is created or discarded. The title column 401 describes the name of the network scanner 201. The last update date and time column 402 shows the date and time of the last update. The scanned image list 406 includes a thumbnail image field 403, a date / time field 404, and a comment field 405, and is sorted in order of date and a new scanned image is arranged in the upper part.
[0063]
Furthermore, a download button 409 and a discard button 407 are arranged. When the user clicks the download button 409, the scanned image data can be downloaded, and when the user clicks the discard button 407, the line of the Web page becomes a trash can page (described later). 5) and is deleted from the index Web page. The trash can button 408 is linked to a trash can page (see FIG. 5 described later).
[0064]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a trash can page according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This page is also in the hard disk 307 of the scanner controller 202 of the network scanner 201 from the beginning, and is updated whenever the scanned image data is discarded or deleted. The title column 501 describes the name of the network scanner 201. The last update date / time column 502 shows the date / time of the last update. The scanned image list 506 includes a date column 503 and a comment column 504, and is sorted in date order and new scanned image data is arranged on the upper side.
[0065]
Then, a restoration button 505 is arranged for each scanned image, and when the user clicks the button, the row of the scanned image moves to the index Web page and is deleted from the trash can page. Further, an erasing button 507 is arranged on the right side of the resurrection button 505, and when the user clicks on the button, the row of the scanned image and the scanned image data itself are erased. Homepage button 508 is linked to an index web page.
[0066]
Next, in the network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the scanner controller when the user activates the scan operation using the operation unit 315 of the scanner controller 202 of the network scanner 201. The processing of the CPU 302 in 202 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.
[0067]
First, the CPU 302 of the scanner controller 202 activates the scanner unit 203 via the serial communication controller 312 (step S601). Along with this, the image data read by scanning the document by the scanner unit 203 is stored in the FIFO memory 310 via the receiver 311 together with the synchronization signal. At the same time, the image data is transferred from the FIFO memory 310 to the RAM 305 by the DMA controller 303. Then, raster image data is generated on the RAM 305 (step S602). Thereafter, the CPU 302 generates a reduced image (thumbnail image) of about 150 images on one side from the raster image data on the RAM 305 and stores it in the hard disk 307 (step S603).
[0068]
Next, the CPU 302 compresses the raster image data on the RAM 305 by JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group) (step S604). Then, the CPU 302 checks whether or not the free space of the hard disk 307 built in the scanner controller 202 is sufficient (step S605). Specifically, the determination is made based on whether the free space is larger or smaller than a predetermined amount (for example, 50 MB).
[0069]
If the hard disk 307 has sufficient free space, the JPEG compressed image data is stored in the hard disk 307 built in the scanner controller 202 (step S606). Then, the image data information is added to the index Web page (step S607). In this case, the download button functions as a file transfer from the hard disk 307 built in the scanner controller 202.
[0070]
On the other hand, if there is not enough free space on the hard disk 307, the JPEG compressed image data is transferred to the UNIX workstation 204 via the LAN controller 308 and the network 206 by FTP (software having a file transfer function on the Internet). (Step S608). It is assumed that the IP address of the UNIX workstation 204 is input via the operation unit 315 by the administrator of the network scanner 201. The UNIX workstation 204 stores the sent file on its own hard disk. Then, the image data information is added to the index Web page (step S609). In this case, the download button functions as a file transfer from the hard disk of the UNIX workstation 204.
[0071]
In the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the network scanner 201 may of course be a copying machine having a network scanning function or a digital camera connected by a wireless network. Absent. Further, the UNIX workstation 204 may be a personal computer.
Also, a plurality of computers may be used. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of network scanners 201 are connected on the network 206, and the network scanners 201 have a built-in hard disk capacity and the storage is taken over.
[0072]
As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the network scanner 201 constituting the network system is based on the scanner unit 203 that creates an electronic document of a predetermined format and the browsing request from the external device. A document providing function for transferring a designated electronic document in the hard disk 307 to an external device. When an electronic document is transferred to an external device, the information is added to the specific electronic document on the hard disk 307 and updated, and created by a switching function. A document update function for updating a specific electronic document when the electronic document is stored in the hard disk 307, a capacity detection function for detecting the free capacity of the hard disk 307, and if the free capacity is larger than a predetermined amount, the created electronic document is stored in the hard disk 307; Transfer the created electronic document to an external device if the available space is less A CPU 302 having a switching function, a hard disk 307 for storing an electronic document including at least one specific electronic document in a predetermined format, a LAN controller 308 for transferring a created or designated electronic document to an external device, and an electronic document transfer destination The external device constituting the network system is designated based on a function for storing the electronic document transferred from the network scanner 201 in a predetermined format, and a browsing request from the network scanner 201. Since the electronic document has a function of providing the electronic document to the network scanner 201, the following effects can be obtained.
[0073]
With the above configuration, when the CPU 302 of the network scanner 201 determines that the free capacity of the hard disk 307 built in the network scanner 201 is less than a predetermined amount during the processing of the image data scanned by the network scanner 201, the created electronic document is stored. Control to transfer to an external device (for example, a device such as the UNIX workstation 204) is performed. That is, the capacity of the hard disk 307 built in the network scanner 201 can be limited by enabling the image file scanned by the network scanner 201 connected via the network 206 to be stored in another external device connected via the network 206. Scanned images can be saved beyond. Furthermore, the general user can use the file without worrying about the file storage location.
[0074]
[2] Second embodiment
In the second embodiment of the present invention, a case where a network printer is used as an electronic document creation apparatus will be described as an example. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the network printer has a function of creating and publishing a Web page with the same operability as printing, and the data of the Web page is not limited to a hard disk built in the network printer. It can be stored on other UNIX workstations on the network.
[0075]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. A network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a PDL printer (network printer) 701 including a PDL controller 702 and a printer engine 703, a UNIX workstation (WS) 704, and a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 705. , Gateways 707... Are connected to a network 708. The configuration in FIG. 7 is an example and is not limited to the illustrated configuration. Further, only one personal computer is shown for convenience.
[0076]
In detail, the PDL printer 701 receives PDL (Page Description Language) data from the network 708, interprets it, generates raster image data, and generates the raster image data based on the raster image data. And a printer engine 703 for forming an image on a sheet. The UNIX workstation 704 is a device compatible with UNIX (time sharing system operating system) and is used for storing electronic documents. A plurality of personal computers 705... Share a PDL printer 701 via a network 708.
[0077]
A network 708 is a network based on Ethernet (LAN having a bus structure jointly developed by Xerox, DEC, and Intel), connected to a PDL printer 701 to a personal computer 705, and connected to the Internet via a gateway 707 called Firewall. 709. The so-called intranet that constitutes a local network using the Internet technology is rapidly spreading recently. Since the UNIX workstation 704 and the personal computer 705 are known, the description of the internal configuration is omitted.
[0078]
In the intranet as described above, the personal computer 705 uses a Web browser application software such as Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Internet Explorer to access and share information with a Web server (not shown) connected to the intranet or the Internet. The PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701 has a Web server function, and can provide printer status information and manage spooled jobs. Furthermore, a Web page creation function is added to the PDL controller 702.
[0079]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The PDL controller 702 includes a CPU bus 801, a CPU 802, a DMA controller 803, a ROM 804, a RAM 805, a hard disk interface (HDD I / F) 806, a hard disk (HDD) 807, a LAN controller 808, a driver / receiver 809, a FIFO memory 810, and a driver 811. A serial communication controller 812 and connectors 816 and 817. In the present embodiment, for example, Postscript Level 2 is assumed as the PDL.
[0080]
The configuration of each unit will be described in detail. The CPU 802 is a central processing unit that controls each unit of the PDL controller 702 connected to the CPU bus 801 based on firmware, and executes the processes shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The DMA controller 803 controls DMA transfer of data. Firmware for controlling the PDL controller 702 is written in the ROM 804. The RAM 805 is used as a work area and also as a frame memory capable of storing, for example, two pages of raster images after PDL development.
[0081]
The hard disk interface 806 is an interface when the CPU 802 writes / reads image data to / from the hard disk 807.
The hard disk 807 stores image data, web pages, and the like. The LAN controller 808 controls data transmission / reception with the network 708. The driver / receiver 809 is interposed between the serial communication controller 812 and the connector 817 and performs data transmission / reception.
[0082]
The FIFO memory 810 stores data by a first-in first-out method. The driver 811 is interposed between the FIFO memory 810 and the connector 817 and performs data transfer. The serial communication controller 812 controls serial communication with the printer engine 703 via the driver / receiver 809. A connector 816 connects the PDL controller 702 and the network 708. A connector 817 connects the PDL controller 702 and the printer engine 703.
[0083]
When printing by the PDL printer 701 having the above configuration, PDL data sent from the personal computer (host computer) 705 to the PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701 via the network 708 is received by the LAN controller 808 and stored in the RAM 805. . The CPU 802 interprets the PDL data stored in the RAM 805 and writes raster image data corresponding to the PDL data in the RAM 805.
[0084]
Then, the data is DMA-transferred by the DMA controller 803 and sent to the printer engine 703 via the FIFO memory 810 and the driver 811. Further, the hard disk interface (SCSI controller) 806 and the hard disk 807 connected to the hard disk interface 806 realize a sort function for printing a plurality of the same pages or changing the page order. The hard disk 807 is also used to store the created web page.
[0085]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the printer engine 703 of the PDL printer 701 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The printer engine 703 includes a CPU bus 901, a CPU 902, a ROM 903, a RAM 904, a sensor interface 905, various sensors 906, a motor driver 907, various motors 908, a serial communication controller 909, a driver / receiver 910, a receiver 912, a FIFO memory 913, and a density correction. A circuit 914, a D / A conversion circuit 915, a laser driver 916, an operation unit interface 917, an LCD touch panel 918, and a connector 919 are provided.
[0086]
The configuration of each unit will be described in detail. The CPU 902 is a central processing unit that controls each unit of the printer engine 703 connected to the CPU bus 901 based on firmware, and controls the printing operation of the printer engine 703. Firmware for controlling the printer engine 703 is written in the ROM 903. The RAM 904 is used as a work area. A sensor interface 905 is an interface for various sensors 906. The various sensors 906 include a temperature control sensor, a paper detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of paper, and the like. A motor driver 907 controls driving of various motors 908. The various motors 908 include a motor that drives a photosensitive drum, a motor that drives a roller that performs paper conveyance, and the like.
[0087]
The serial communication controller 909 controls serial communication with the PDL controller 702 via the driver / receiver 910. The driver / receiver 910 is interposed between the serial communication controller 909 and the connector 919 and performs data transfer. The receiver 912 is interposed between the connector 919 and the FIFO memory 913 and receives raster image data sent from the PDL controller 702. The FIFO memory 913 performs clock conversion of raster image data.
The density correction circuit 914 performs density correction of the raster image. The D / A conversion circuit 915 performs digital → analog conversion of the output of the density correction circuit 914.
[0088]
A laser driver 916 drives a laser to form a latent image on a photosensitive drum (not shown). The operation unit interface 917 transmits an input signal from the LCD touch panel 918 to the CPU 902 and an output signal from the CPU 902 to the LCD touch panel 918 via the CPU bus 901. The LCD touch panel 918 is used when the user performs operations such as various settings, and also performs various displays based on the control of the CPU 902. A connector 919 connects the PDL controller 702 and the printer engine 703.
[0089]
Raster image data sent from the PDL controller 702 to the printer engine 703 having the above configuration is received by the receiver 912, converted into a clock by the FIFO memory 913 for one line, the density is corrected by the density correction circuit 914, and the D / A The conversion circuit 915 performs digital-to-analog conversion, and the laser is driven by the laser driver 916 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum. The printer engine 703 has, for example, a maximum A4 size, 600 × 600 dpi, and binary. Since this image formation is known as an electrophotographic system, description thereof is omitted here. In addition to the image signal, a serial signal for communication is also exchanged between the PDL controller 702 and the printer engine 703, and the CPU 902 communicates with the driver / receiver 910 via the serial communication controller 909.
[0090]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen of the printer driver 1001 for printing on the PDL printer 701 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is installed on a personal computer 705 connected on the network 708 and used when printing out from application software. The printer driver 1001 is a single window. In the printer name column 1002, the name of the connection destination PDL printer 701 ("LBP 600" in this example) is displayed. The print range column 1003 includes two radio buttons (buttons that can select only one of a plurality of buttons) 1004 and 1005.
[0091]
The radio button 1004 outputs all pages of the currently opened document, and the radio button 1005 outputs only the designated page. A radio button 1004 is selected by default. When the radio button 1005 is selected, a start page and an end page are input in two boxes 1006 and 1007 for inputting numerical values. The number of copies column 1008 has a box 1009 for inputting the number of copies to be output, and the default is 1. The output destination column 1010 has three radio buttons 1011, 1012, and 1014. A radio button 1011 is printed out and is a default selection. A radio button 1012 creates a web page. When this radio button 1012 is selected, it can be selected whether or not the check box 1013 is marked.
[0092]
When this check box 1013 is marked, an image having a resolution of 600 dpi for printing is also generated, and a high-quality output is obtained when the created Web page is printed by the PDL printer 701. By default, this check box 1013 is off. A radio button 1014 is used to save a PostScript code sent to the PDL printer 701 as a file on a hard disk on the personal computer 705. If these settings are made and the OK button 1015 is clicked with the mouse, the designated operation is started, and can be canceled by clicking the cancel button 1016 or the window close button 1017.
[0093]
The operability of the printer driver 1001 described above is very general except for the radio button 1012 and the check box 1013. The radio button 1012 and the check box 1013 characteristic of the present invention are also very simple and easy to understand. When the radio button 1012 is selected and the OK button 1015 is pressed, the printer driver 1001 generates a PostScript code and transmits it to the PDL printer 701 as in normal printing. In the header of the PostScript code,
% @ CreateWebPageHighResolutionData = OFF
Insert one line. A line beginning with “%” is a comment sentence in PostScript, but the PDL controller 702 of the present embodiment performs a Web page creation operation when there is this one line. The item “HighResolutionData” is “ON” when the check box 1013 is checked.
[0094]
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a Web page according to the second embodiment of the present invention. First, the created web pages are displayed in a list on the home page 1401 that is the starting point of the web page of the present invention (1402, 1403, 1404, 1405). Then, there is a link button 1416 to a trash can page, and when this button is clicked, a trash can page 1407 is obtained. The trash box page 1407 displays a list of Web pages discarded on the home page 1401 (1408, 1409). Although details will be described later, the Web pages listed on the home page 1401 can be individually discarded, and when discarded, they are transferred to the trash can page 1407. The Web pages listed in the trash can page 1407 can be deleted individually, and even if they are left unattended, they are automatically deleted from the oldest ones when the hard disk space becomes insufficient.
[0095]
The list of Web pages displayed on the home page 1401 or the trash can page 1407 is linked to each Web page (1410, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, 1415). As shown in FIG. 14, each Web page is not necessarily one page, and there may be a plurality of pages. In this case, the web pages are linked to the first page. Although not shown in FIG. 14, the trash can page 1407 and each of the created Web pages 1410, 1411, 1412, 1413, 1414, and 1415 have a link button to the homepage 1401. You can come back.
[0096]
These Web pages are stored in the hard disk 807 or UNIX workstation 704 of the PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701, and are released on the network 708 by Web server software executed by the CPU 802 or UNIX workstation 704 of the PDL controller 702. The Since the Web server function and HTML, which is a language describing Web pages, are well-known techniques, details thereof will not be described here.
[0097]
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a homepage 1401 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This page is in the hard disk 807 of the PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701 from the beginning, and is updated whenever a Web page is created or discarded. The title column 1501 describes the name of the PDL printer 701. The last update date / time column 1502 shows the date / time of the last update.
[0098]
The web page list 1506 includes a date column 1503, a document name column 1504, and a creator column 1505. The web page list 1506 is sorted in date order and a new web page is arranged at the top. This list is linked to each web page. A discard button 1507 is arranged for each Web page on the right side of the list. When the user clicks the button, the line of the Web page moves to the trash can page 1407 and is deleted from the home page 1401. A trash can button 1508 is linked to a trash can page 1407.
[0099]
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the trash can page 1407 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This page is also in the hard disk 807 of the PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701 from the beginning, and is updated whenever a Web page is discarded or deleted. The title column 1601 describes the name of the PDL printer 701. The last update date / time column 1602 shows the date / time of the last update. The web page list 1606 includes a date field 1603, a document field 1604, and a creator field 1605, and is sorted in order of date and a new web page is arranged at the top. This list is linked to each web page.
[0100]
A restore button 1607 is arranged for each Web page on the right side of the list, and when the user clicks the button, the line of the Web page moves to the home page 1401 and is deleted from the trash can page 1407. Further, an erase button 1608 is arranged on the right of the resurrection button 1607, and when the user clicks on the button, the line of the web page and the web page itself are erased. Homepage button 1609 is linked to homepage 1401.
[0101]
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a created Web page according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The web page 1701 in this example is the second page of a job of, for example, all three pages sent from the personal computer 705. There is an expanded image 1702, and in the upper row, a homepage button 1703 with a link to the homepage 1401 and a previous page button 1704 with a link to the previous page (in this case, the first page). A page display 1705 in which the total number of pages (3 in this case) and the page number (in this case 2) are written, a next page button 1706 with a link to the next page (in this case, the third page), creation The date 1707 is arranged.
[0102]
When the page is the first page, the previous page button 1704 is not arranged. If the page is the last page, the next page button 1706 is not arranged. Therefore, there is neither a previous page button 1704 nor a next page button 1706 on a Web page created from a job of all one page. A print button 1708 is arranged at the bottom of the Web page that holds the high-resolution image data (600 dpi in this case) for printing.
[0103]
When a print button 1708 is clicked, a print processing file placed in advance on the hard disk 807 of the PDL controller 702 of the PDL printer 701 is executed, and the high-resolution image data of the Web page is expanded in the RAM 805 and is transferred to the printer engine 703. Transfer and print. This print button 1708 is not provided on a Web page without high resolution image data. By clicking this print button 1708, a clearer image can be obtained than when printing from the browser application. However, printing using the print button 1708 is limited to the PDL printer 701.
[0104]
Next, in the network system according to the second embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, the processing of the CPU 802 of the PDL controller 702 when the PDL printer 701 receives a job via the network 708 is shown in FIG. Description will be made with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
[0105]
First, the CPU 802 of the PDL controller 702 checks whether there is a line “% @ CreateWebPage” in the received job (step S1101).
If the above line is present in the job, it is considered that a web page creation instruction has been issued, and the process proceeds to step S1104 in the case of creating a web page. If the above line is not present in the job, it is assumed that there has been no web page creation instruction. The process proceeds to step S1102. That is, if the above line does not exist in the job, a raster image of 600 dpi is developed from the PostScript code as a normal printing procedure and stored in the RAM 805 which is a frame memory (step S1102). The raster image data on the RAM 805 is transferred to the printer engine 703 and printed (step S1103).
[0106]
On the other hand, if there is the above line in the job, a raster image with a low resolution (for example, 72 dpi in this example) is developed from the PostScript code as an image for the Web page to be created in the RAM 805, which is a frame memory, and subjected to JPEG compression. And saved as a file on the hard disk 807. If the sent job is a plurality of pages, JPEG files are created for the number of pages (step S1104).
[0107]
Then, an HTML file for displaying the JPEG file is created. If the sent job has a plurality of pages, this HTML file is also created by the number of pages. In this HTML file, the Web page as shown in FIG. 17 is described (step S1105). Next, it is checked whether the hard disk 807 has enough free space. Specifically, the predetermined value α (for example, 50 MB) is compared with the free space, and the size is determined (step S1106).
[0108]
If the hard disk 807 has sufficient free space, the Web page data composed of the created HTML file and JPEG file is stored in the hard disk 807 (step S1107). Then, the home page 1401 is updated (step S1108). That is, information on a newly created web page is added to the head of the web page list in FIG. 15 to create a link. The date field 1503 describes the time when the Web page was created, the document name field 1504 describes the file name from the sent PostScript code, and the creator field 1505 lists the Owner from the sent PostScript code. Enter information. A discard button 1507 corresponding to the Web page is also added. And the last update date column 1502 is also updated.
[0109]
On the other hand, if there is not enough free space on the hard disk 807 in step S1106, the Web page data is transferred to the UNIX workstation 704 via the LAN controller 808 and the network 708 by FTP (software having a file transfer function on the Internet). Transfer (step S1109). Then, the home page 1401 is updated (step S1110). This is substantially the same as step S1108, except that the link added in step S1108 points to a Web page in the hard disk 807, whereas the link added in step S1110 is a Web page on the UNIX workstation 704. There is a difference.
[0110]
Next, it is checked whether or not there is a description of “HighResolutionData = ON” in the line “% @ CreateWebPage” in the received job (step S1111). If there is no description above, the series of processing ends. If there is the above description, a 600 dpi raster image is developed from the PostScript code as a high-resolution image for printing, stored in the RAM 805, which is a frame memory, and compressed (step S1112). Next, it is checked whether the hard disk 807 has enough free space. Specifically, the predetermined value α (for example, 50 MB) is compared with the free space, and the size is determined (step S1113).
[0111]
If the hard disk 807 has sufficient free space, the created high-resolution data for printing is stored in the hard disk 807 (step S1114). On the other hand, if there is not enough free space on the hard disk 807, the Web page data is transferred to the UNIX workstation 704 via the LAN controller 808 and the network 708 by FTP (step S1115). Then, the HTML file of the Web page created in step S1115 is updated, and a print button 1708 is added (step S1116). The high-resolution data for printing used by the print button 1708 is a file in the hard disk 807 when it passes through step S1114, whereas it is on the UNIX workstation 704 when it passes through step S1115. It is a file.
[0112]
In the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, the PDL printer 701 may of course receive a job from a serial interface or a parallel interface, and is a digital copying machine having a printer function. It doesn't matter.
[0113]
As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the PDL printer 701 constituting the network system is based on the printer engine 703 that creates an electronic document of a predetermined format and the browsing request from the external device. A document providing function for transferring a designated electronic document in the hard disk 807 to an external device. When an electronic document is transferred to an external device, the information is added to the specific electronic document on the hard disk 807 and updated, and created by a switching function. A document update function for updating a specific electronic document when the electronic document is stored in the hard disk 807, a capacity detection function for detecting the free capacity of the hard disk 807, and if the free capacity exceeds a predetermined amount, the created electronic document is stored in the hard disk 807; If the free space is less than the specified amount, transfer the created electronic document to an external device A CPU 802 having a replacement function, a hard disk 807 for storing an electronic document including at least one specific electronic document in a predetermined format, a LAN controller 808 for transferring a created or designated electronic document to an external device, and an electronic document transfer destination The external device that constitutes the network system includes an LCD touch panel 918 that designates an external device, and is designated based on a function for storing an electronic document transferred from the PDL printer 701 in a predetermined format and a browsing request from the PDL printer 701 Since the electronic document has a function of providing the PDL printer 701, the following effects can be obtained.
[0114]
With the above configuration, the CPU 802 of the PDL printer 701 allows the hard disk 807 built in the PDL printer 701 to be free while the PDL printer 701 is creating an electronic document (Web page data) based on a job received from an external device via a network. If it is determined that the amount is less than the fixed amount, control is performed to transfer the created electronic document to an external device (for example, a device such as the UNIX workstation 704). In other words, the Web page data created by the PDL printer 701 connected via the network 708 can be stored in other external devices connected via the network 708, thereby limiting the capacity of the hard disk 807 built in the PDL printer 701. A web page can be created without receiving the request. Furthermore, the general user can use the image without worrying about where the image is stored.
[0115]
The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. A storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program code stored in the storage medium. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by executing read.
[0116]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0117]
As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.
[0118]
Further, by executing the program code read out by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS operating on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs the actual processing. Needless to say, a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing is also included.
[0119]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
  As explained above,BookAccording to the invention,Even if the image data is stored in another storage device due to the free space of the image data storage device, the information processing device uses the index information to store the image data in the image data storage device. It becomes possible to download from.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to first and second embodiments of the present invention in correspondence with claims.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a scanner controller of the network scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an index Web page used for extracting a scanned image from a network-connected personal computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a trash can page according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the CPU of the scanner controller when the scan operation is started using the operation unit of the network controller of the network scanner according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a network system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a PDL controller of a PDL printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a printer engine of a PDL printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of a printer driver for printing on a PDL printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing of a CPU of a PDL controller when a PDL printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention receives a job via a network.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing of the CPU of the PDL controller when the PDL printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention receives a job via the network.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing of the CPU of the PDL controller when the PDL printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention receives a job via the network.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a Web page according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a homepage according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a trash can page according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a Web page according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 Electronic document creation means
102 memory means
103 Electronic document providing means
104 Transfer means
105 Electronic document updating means
106 Designating means
107 Capacity detection means
108 Switching means
109 External storage means
110 External electronic document update means
111, 206, 708 networks
201 Network scanner
202 Scanner controller
203 Scanner unit
204, 704 UNIX workstation
205, 705 Personal computer
302, 802 CPU
307, 807 hard disk
701 PDL printer
702 PDL controller
703 Printer Engine
709 Internet

Claims (6)

An image data storage device connectable to an external information processing device and an external storage device via a network,
Input means for inputting image data;
Storage means for storing image data input by the input means , reduced image data generated from the input image data ;
Generating means for generating index information indicating a list of image data stored in the storage means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the index information to the external information processing device based on a request from the external information processing device;
Changing means for changing the storage destination so that the input image data is stored in the external storage device when the storage means does not have a predetermined free space;
When the storage means stores the input image data without the storage means changing the storage destination, the storage means stores the reduced image data generated from the input image data, and the generation means Adds information indicating the input image data, information for the external information processing apparatus to download the input image data from the storage unit, and information indicating the reduced image data to the index information,
When the storage unit changes the storage destination so that the input image data is stored in the external storage device, the storage unit stores the reduced image data generated from the input image data, and the generation unit Includes information indicating the input image data, information for the external information processing apparatus to download the input image data from the external storage device without going through the image data storage device, and information indicating the reduced image data Is added to the index information. Furthermore, a reading means for reading the document and generating image data is provided,
The image data storage device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs the image data generated by the reading unit. Furthermore, the printing control means for generating image data based on the printing data received from the outside via the network,
The image data storage device according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs image data generated by the print control unit. The print control unit generates print image data having a higher resolution than the image data in addition to the image data based on the print data,
The storage means stores the image data and the print image data,
4. The image data storage device according to claim 3, further comprising image forming means for forming an image based on the printing image data stored in the storage means. The index information generated by the generating means is information described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language),
5. The image data according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the index information to an external information processing apparatus using HTTP (HyperText Transport Protocol) as a communication protocol. 6. Storage device. A control method of an image data storage device connectable to an external information processing device and an external storage device via a network,
An input step for inputting image data;
A generation step of generating index information indicating a list of image data stored in a storage unit for storing the image data input by the input step and the reduced image data generated from the input image data ;
A transmission step of transmitting the index information to the external information processing device based on a request from the external information processing device;
A change step of changing a storage destination so as to store the input image data in the external storage device when the storage means does not have a predetermined free space; and
When the storage means stores the input image data without changing the storage destination in the change step, the storage means stores the reduced image data generated from the input image data, and the generation step Adds information indicating the input image data, information for the external information processing apparatus to download the input image data from the storage unit, and information indicating the reduced image data to the index information,
When the storage destination is changed to store the input image data in the external storage device in the changing step, the storage means stores the reduced image data generated from the input image data, and the generation step Includes information indicating the input image data, information for the external information processing apparatus to download the input image data from the external storage device without going through the image data storage device, and information indicating the reduced image data Is added to the index information.

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