JPH08123260A - Image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To efficiently execute plural processes in the case of outputting inputted image data. CONSTITUTION: In the case of interrupting in the middle of printing image data transmitted from an external device through an external I/F 108 so as to read and copy an original image from a CCD 101, it is judged whether the interruption is permitted, or inhibited based on the condition of the active process (printing mode, in printing, or in the process of printing, etc.) and the condition of the interruption process (copying mode), etc. Besides, in the case of receiving a printing command from the external device through the external I/F 108 in the middle of copying, an inquiry about the process selection is made.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus for processing image data, and more particularly to processing interruption.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an apparatus of this type, for example, a copying machine, is provided with a communication function to transmit image data read by using a scanner section of the copying machine, or image data received through a line or an external interface. A device in which image data received from an external device such as a computer can be recorded by a printer unit of a copying machine has been put into practical use.

However, when the functions are combined as described above, there arises a problem that the processes conflict with each other when it is desired to copy the received data during recording. In order to solve this problem, an interrupt key is provided, and after pressing this interrupt key, the process being executed is interrupted and another process is performed, or priority is given to each process. It is known that the permission or prohibition of interrupts is determined according to the priority order.

Further, when performing double-sided copying or double-sided printing, any interruption is not allowed in order to prevent recording sheets from being mixed in an intermediate tray or the like.

[0005]

However, in the prior art, since it is irrelevant to the status of the processing being executed and the condition of the processing to be interrupted, an interrupt may occur depending on the combination of the status of the processing being executed and the condition of the processing to be interrupted. Although there are cases where it is more efficient to execute, and there are cases where it is more effective not to interrupt, there is a drawback that the interrupt key is pressed or executed according to the priority order.

The present invention has been made to eliminate the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of efficiently executing a plurality of processes.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration.

That is, first processing means for outputting input image data, second processing means for outputting image data different from the image data in the first processing means, and the first processing means. The first detection means for detecting the processing status of the processing means, the second detection means for detecting the processing status of the second processing means, and the detection results of the first and second detection means. Based on the determination, the processing by the first processing means is interrupted, and whether the processing by the second processing means is permitted or prohibited is determined.

Also, input means for inputting image data,
Recording means for recording the image data input by the input means on a sheet; storage means for temporarily storing the sheet on one side of which the image data input by the input means is stored by the recording means; Interrupting means for interrupting a job related to recording by means for interrupting a job based on other image data, and the interrupting means,
When the sheet is not stored in the storage unit and the recording by the recording unit is not performed, the sheet is interrupted.

A first processing means for outputting the input image data, a second processing means for outputting the image data different from the image data in the first processing means, and a first processing means When the processing by the second processing means is requested while the processing by the processing means is being executed, it has a confirmation means for confirming whether or not to perform the processing by the second processing means.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing the arrangement of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 22, reference numeral 1 denotes an original feeding device for automatically feeding originals, which feeds the placed originals one by one or two in succession to a predetermined position on the original glass surface 2. To do. Reference numeral 4 denotes a scanner including an exposure lamp 3 for irradiating a document, a scanning mirror 5 for exposing and scanning the document, and the like. After the document is placed on the platen glass surface 2 by the document feeding device 1, the scanner 4 is The reflected light from the original that is scanned in the direction A is scanned by the CCD through the scanning mirrors 5 to 7 and the lens 8.
The image is formed on 101. Reference numeral 10 denotes an exposure control unit configured by a laser scanner, which irradiates the photoconductor 11 with a light beam modulated based on image data output from the image signal control unit of the controller unit CONT. 12 is a red developing device, 1
A black developing device 3 visualizes the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoconductor 11 with a predetermined developer (toner). Developing device 12, 13
By the developing device switching device 30, one of them is arranged close to the sightseeing drum 11, and the other is arranged to be retracted from the sightseeing drum 11. Further, when performing multiple development, the controller unit CONT controls the developing device switching device 30. A sheet stacking unit 14 and 15 stacks and stores standard size sheets. The sheet is fed from the stacking units 14 and 15 to the position where the registration roller 25 is provided via the paper sensor ps1 or the paper sensor ps2 and the paper sensor ps3 by driving the feeding roller, and is formed on the photoconductor 11 by the registration roller 2. The sheet is fed at a timing such that the leading edge of the image and the leading edge of the sheet are aligned.

Reference numeral 16 denotes a transfer / separation charger, which transfers the toner image developed on the photoconductor 11 to a sheet, and then the photoconductor 11
The sheet is separated from the sheet, the separation is confirmed by the separation sensor ps4, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing unit 17 via the conveyance belt. A paper discharge roller 18 discharges the recorded sheet to the tray 20. Reference numeral 21 switches whether the sheet recorded by the direction flapper is discharged to the tray 20 side or is conveyed to the internal conveyance paths 22, 23 and 24.

During double-sided recording, the flapper 21 is placed in the tray 20.
After the sheet passes through the sheet discharge sensor 19, the sheet discharge roller 18 is rotated in the direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction, and at the same time, the flapper 21 is raised to make a copy. The finished sheets are stored in the intermediate tray 24 via the transport paths 22 and 23. Paper sensor ps for intermediate tray
Check that the paper is stored. Also, at the time of the next back surface recording, the sheets stored in the intermediate tray 24 are fed,
The conveyance of the sheet is confirmed via the sheet sensor ps6, the sheet is again transferred, and the sheet is fed to the separation unit to transfer the back surface of the sheet.

During multiple recording, the flapper 21 is raised to store the recorded sheet in the intermediate tray 24 via the conveyance paths 22 and 23. The sheets stored in the intermediate tray 24 are fed at the time of the next second recording, and the multiple transfer is performed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying machine which is an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, 101 is a CCD, which is a reading sensor for reading an original image. CCD 101
The output signal from is driven by the driver circuit 102. This signal is an analog signal and is converted into an 8-bit digital signal by the A / D converter 103, for example. The image data converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 103 is input to the image processing unit 104. In the image processing unit 104, shading correction for correcting image variations of image data read by the CCD 101, scaling processing in the main scanning direction,
Image processing such as edge enhancement processing used in the character mode and LOG conversion for converting luminance data into density data is performed. The image data processed by the image processing unit 104 is D
It is input to the / A converter 105 and converted into analog data. Further, the laser driver circuit 106 converts the signal into a signal for driving the laser 107. The laser 107 can change the irradiation diameter according to the data from the laser driver circuit 106, and can express the light and shade of the print output to form an image. Also, 109 is a FAX
The image processing unit converts output data from the image processing unit 104 into data for facsimile communication. Since binary data is handled in facsimile communication, it is 8 here.
The bit image data is converted from luminance data to density data and then converted into binary data, and rotation processing is performed if necessary. Binary image data from the FAX image processing unit 109 is sent to a modem (MODEM) 110, and the data is sent to a facsimile machine on the other side through a communication line. When performing memory transmission, the image data is compressed and stored in the hard disk (HD) 122. On the other hand, the received data from the facsimile machine on the other side is the FAX image processing unit 10
In 9 the binary data is converted into 8-bit multi-valued data by pattern matching, enlarged processing is performed if necessary, and the data is sent to the image processing unit 104. When the memory is received, the image data is compressed before being converted into multi-valued data as in the case of the memory transmission, and the hard disk 122 is processed.
Store it in. Subsequent processing is as described above and is imaged by the laser 107.

Data from an external device such as a computer is sent to the image processing section 104 through an external I / F circuit 108 which is a driver / receiver circuit. Again, the subsequent processing is as described above and is imaged with the laser 107.

The image data obtained by reading the original with the CCD 101, the image data sent from the partner facsimile machine, and the image data sent from the external device through the external I / F circuit 108 are displayed on the operation display unit 116. Is input to the image display control unit 111. Any one of the input image data is displayed on the operation display unit 116.
Read / write memory (RAM) 1
Stored in 12. The image data stored in the RAM 112 is thinned out and rotated by the image display control unit 111 according to the document size and the like, and is written in the display memory (VRAM) 113 corresponding to the dot size of the liquid crystal display. The data in the VRAM 113 is sent to the liquid crystal control unit 114 according to an instruction from the CPU 117, sent to the operation display unit 116 via the driver circuit 115 that drives the liquid crystal, and displayed. Reference numeral 117 denotes a CPU, which sequentially executes control of the entire image processing apparatus according to a control program stored in the ROM 119. The address bus and data bus of the CPU 117 are connected to each load via a bus driver and address decoder circuit 118. A read only memory (ROM) 119 stores a control program. A random access memory (RAM) 120 is a main memory used as a storage area for input data and a work storage area. Reference numeral 121 denotes an I / O interface, which is connected to loads of devices such as sensors, motors, and switches. Further, the CPU 117 sends various commands to the image processing unit 104, the image control unit 111, and the FAX image processing unit 109 to control them.

The image display control unit 111 includes an image processing unit 10.
4, the external I / F circuit 108 and the FAX image processing unit 109 are connected by a data bus and can receive image information from this.

Further, the operation display section 116 is constructed in a liquid crystal touch panel format. When the copy mode is selected, the operation display unit 116 displays a display for setting various extended functions that can be used at the time of copying, image processing, environment settings, and the like. When a desired function is selected on the touch panel in this display, the display is sequentially switched to make more specific settings. Also, the selected processing contents can be displayed at the same time. Similarly, when the fax mode is selected, a display for setting the fax mode is displayed. Further, when the operation display unit 116 displays the image information, first, the displayable range is displayed, and the entire range can be confirmed by scrolling by the operation of the operator. When there are multiple pages of images, the pages can be sequentially switched and displayed.

The operation display unit 116 can also display a file list in the memory.

The operation unit 123 is composed of hard keys, such as a start key and a stop key for copying and facsimile transmission, and a ten-key for inputting a destination.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a basic screen displayed on the operation display unit 116 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes an extended function key. By pressing this key, double-sided copying, multiple copying,
Enter the mode for moving, setting the binding margin, setting the frame eraser, etc.
An image mode key 202 enters a setting mode for performing shading, shadowing, trimming, and masking on a copied image. Reference numeral 203 denotes a user mode key, which allows mode memory registration and standard mode screen setting for each user. Reference numeral 204 denotes an applied zoom key, which is the X of the manuscript.
The mode enters a mode in which the magnification is independently changed in the Y-direction, and a mode in which the magnification is calculated from the original size and the copy size. 205, 206, 207 are M1 key, M2
Key, M3 key, pressed when calling each mode memory. Reference numeral 208 denotes a call key, which is pressed to call the previously set copy mode. An option key 209 sets optional functions such as a film projector for directly copying from film. 210 is a sorter key for sorting sorters,
Set the mode such as group. Reference numeral 211 denotes an original mixed loading key, which is pressed when originals of A4 size and A3 size or B5 size and B4 size are set together in the original feeder. Reference numeral 212 is a 1x key, and the copy magnification is 100.
Press to set to%. Reference numerals 214 and 215 denote a reduction key and an enlargement key, respectively, which are pressed when performing a fixed size reduction or enlargement. A zoom key 216 is pressed when performing non-standard size reduction / enlargement in 1% increments. A paper selection key 213 is pressed to select a copy paper. 218 and 220 are density keys. Each time 218 is pressed, a dark copy is made.
Each time you press 20, a light copy is made. 217 is a density display, and when the density key is pressed, the display changes to the left or right. 219
Is an AE key, which is pressed when a document with a dark background such as a newspaper is copied for automatic density adjustment. Reference numeral 221 denotes a HiFi key, which is pressed when a document such as a photographic document having a high halftone density is copied. Reference numeral 222 denotes a character emphasizing key, which is pressed when a character is desired to be emphasized in copying a character original. Reference numeral 223 is a guide key, which is displayed when the key is pressed when the function of the key is unknown. A copy mode key 224 is pressed when copying is performed. Reference numeral 225 is a fax key, which is pressed when performing processing in the fax mode.

Next, FIG. 3 shows a basic screen in the fax mode displayed on the operation display unit 116 shown in FIG.

Pressing the 225 fax key will display this screen. An applied communication key 301 is pressed when performing timer communication, confidential transmission, polling, or the like. 302
Is an image processing key, which is pressed when performing image processing such as area designation by a marker, masking, and trimming.
Reference numeral 303 denotes a registration management key, which is pressed when displaying a communication management report or registering a short-circuit dial or a one-touch dial. Reference numeral 304 denotes a memory inquiry key, which is pressed when displaying a list in the memory of a transmitted document or a received document or displaying an image of the document. Reference numeral 305 denotes a redial key, which is pressed when continuously transmitting to the same partner. A manual reception key 306 is pressed when receiving manually. 30
Reference numeral 7 denotes a sender name key, which is pressed when the sender name is registered. Reference numeral 308 denotes a telephone directory key, which is pressed to retrieve and send the speed dial of the registered destination and the abbreviated name of the other party. A resolution key 309 is pressed when selecting each of the standard, fine, super fine, and ultra fine resolution modes. Reference numeral 310 is an image quality key for characters,
Press to select each halftone image quality mode. Three
A reading size key 11 is pressed when manually specifying the size of the document. Reference numeral 312 is a speed key, which is pressed when transmitting to a destination to which the speed dial is registered. 31
Reference numeral 3 is a pause key, which is pressed to set a time interval between telephone numbers. A tone key 314 is pressed when using the tone line. Reference numeral 315 denotes a monitor key, which is pressed when confirming the state of transmission or reception.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS.

First, the operation screen of the operation display unit 116 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in 402, the copy mode screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. When the fax key 225 shown in FIG. 2 is pressed (403), the fax screen is displayed (404), and the copy mode key (see FIG. 224) is pressed (405), the screen returns to the copy screen display.

FIG. 5 shows the flow of processing when the copy mode is selected. First, in step 502, when the copy mode key 224 is pressed, the copy mode screen appears and desired settings are made. In step 504, it is judged whether or not the facsimile reception data is being printed (506). If not printing, go to step 506, and if printing is in step 50.
Move to 7. Next, in step 506, it is determined whether the fax is in the process of being printed, that is, whether the current device state is an unprinted state between the received fax prints. (Hereinafter, the case of printing is referred to as printing, and the case of non-printing between pages is referred to as printing in progress.) In step 507, the currently set copy mode and the printing mode of the facsimile reception data or the printing mode is in progress. It is judged whether both can be executed. If it cannot be executed, the message “FAX” appears on the operation screen of the operation display unit 116.
"Receiving" is displayed to indicate that the copy operation cannot be performed. If it is feasible, it is judged whether data is being printed from an external device such as a computer (step 509).
That is, it is determined whether or not printing is being performed between prints in a plurality of prints. When printing is in progress or in the middle of printing, it is determined whether both the copy mode currently set and the print mode from the external device can be executed (steps 511 and 512). If it cannot be executed, "printing" is displayed on the operation screen of the operation display unit 116 to indicate that copying cannot be performed.

Next, in step 513, it is judged whether or not copying is in progress. When copying is in progress, the process is ended as it is, and when copying is not in progress, "copy ready" is displayed (step 514). Further, when a copy start key (not shown) is pressed, "Copying" is displayed on the operation screen (steps 515, 51).
6).

FIG. 6 shows the flow of processing when the fax mode is selected.

First, in step 602, it is determined whether or not the fax key 225 is pressed. If the fax key 225 is pressed, the fax mode screen is displayed and desired settings are made.

Next, it is judged whether or not the facsimile reception data is being printed or is in the middle of printing. If printing is in progress or in the middle of printing, the process proceeds to step 606 for fax transmission determination, in which facsimile reception data is being printed. Alternatively, it is determined whether the printing mode and the set transmission mode can be executed at the same time. When they cannot be processed at the same time,
“Fax receiving” is displayed on the operation screen of the operation display unit 116 to prohibit the fax transmission operation.

When data is being printed from the external device or during printing, the process proceeds to step 610 to determine the FAX transmission processing, and the same determination as step 606 is performed. When they cannot be executed simultaneously, the operation display unit 116
Display "Printing" on the operation screen of and prohibit the sending operation.

In step 612, it is judged whether or not copying is in progress. If copying is in progress, "copying" is displayed and transmission of fax is prohibited. If not copied, the operation display unit 116
"You can send FXA" is displayed on the operation screen. Further, when a fax transmission start key (not shown) is pressed, "FAX transmission" is displayed on the operation screen of the operation display unit 116.

Next, FIG. 7 shows the processing performed by the copying machine of this embodiment.

The copying machine of this embodiment performs FAX processing, print processing, and COPY processing.

8 to 10 describe the processing of FIG. 7 in detail.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of FAX processing (702 in FIG. 7). First, in step 802, it is determined whether or not FAX reception (printable) is currently performed. If fax reception is possible in step 803, the process proceeds to step 804, and when a fax reception print request occurs, reception processing is performed. If the reception is not possible in step 803, or if there is no reception request even in the receivable state, the process proceeds to the FAX transmission determination of step 806.

Regarding the FAX transmission judgment, step 803 is also performed.
To 805, in step 806, FAX
It is determined whether the transmission is possible, the transmission is determined when the transmission is possible, and the transmission process is performed.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the flow of print processing in step 703 of FIG.

First, in step 902, it is judged whether or not the data from the external device may be printed, and in step 903, if print processing is possible,
If there is a print request in step 904, print processing is performed in step 905.

Similarly, FIG. 10 shows C in step 704 of FIG.
It is a flow chart which shows a flow of OPY processing.

First, in step 1002, it is determined whether or not copying is permitted, and in step 1003, it is determined that copying is possible and step 100
If there is a copy processing request in step 4, the copy processing is performed in step 1005.

Next, FIGS. 11 to 14 explain the contents of the judgment part of the processing of FIGS. 8 to 10.

FIG. 11 illustrates the FAX reception determination in step 802 of FIG.

In the processing determination of step 1102, the current status of the device is determined. For example, 10 for single-sided copy
It is judged that copying is in progress.

Further, in step 1103, a mode for printing the received data in the case of facsimile reception, for example, single-sided printing, double-sided printing, or darkening or lightening the density is determined. If the facsimile is not received, the mode is not designated.

In the compatibility judgment processing of step 1104, whether the status of the apparatus judged in the processing judgment of step 1102 and the mode for facsimile reception and printing from now on are compatible with each other, that is, in the current status of the apparatus, it is designated. If it is judged whether the print mode of the data received by the facsimile can be executed, the processing is ended.

Next, FIG. 12 shows F in step 806 of FIG.
The content of the AX transmission determination is shown. Step 120
Since the contents of the process judgment part of 2 are the same as the contents of the process judgment part of step 1120, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the FAX transmission designation mode determination in step 1203, the FAX transmission mode designated by the user from the operation display unit 116 for FAX transmission is determined.

Next, the compatibility judgment processing of step 1204 shows the same processing as step 1104, and it is judged whether or not the status of the apparatus and the designated FAX transmission mode are compatible.

FIG. 13 shows the print processing judgment in step 902 of FIG.

The print designation mode determination in step 1303 determines the print designation mode designated by the external device, and it is determined by the compatibility determination processing in step 1304 whether printing in the designated mode can be performed on the bridge of the current device. To do.

FIG. 14 shows CO in step 1002 of FIG.
The contents of the PY processing determination are shown.

The condition of the apparatus is judged by the judgment of the processing of step 1402, the setting condition of the copy mode specified on the copy mode screen of FIG. 2 is judged by the judgment of the COPY specification mode, and the copy is made under the condition of the copy mode. Whether or not it is possible is determined in the compatibility determination process.

FIG. 15 is a detailed description of the contents of the processing judgments of FIGS.

In steps 1502 and 1503, it is determined whether the facsimile transmission data is being read or is being read. The scanner flag is turned on when the facsimile transmission data is being read, and the scanner midway flag is turned on when the data is being read. When the reading is not being performed or when the reading is not being performed, the scanner flag and the scanner midway flag are turned off. Here, "reading" means that the facsimile transmission data is currently being read, and "during reading" means that the data is not being read between pages.

Next, in the scanner mode determination in step 1507, the reading condition mode for facsimile transmission is determined.

Next, in step 1508, the facsimile received data is being printed, in step 1509 is being printed a plurality of pieces of facsimile received data, and in step 1510 is the data from an external device being printed? In step 1511, it is determined whether the printing of data from a plurality of external devices is in progress,
In step 1512, it is determined whether copying is in progress.

The printing flag and the printing in-progress flag are turned on according to each situation. When copying is in progress, the scanner flag is turned on and it can be confirmed that the scanner portion is being used.

In the print mode determination in step 1517, the designated condition mode for the print being executed is determined.

Next, FIG. 16 shows the contents of the compatibility determination process of FIGS.

First, in step 1602, it is determined whether or not the compatibility is satisfied. When the compatibility is satisfied, the compatibility flag is turned on.
However, if it is determined that they are not compatible, the compatibility flag is turned off.
And

Further, a method of judging the compatibility judgment will be concretely described.

An example of a method for prohibiting double-sided copying in a copy operation during printing of data from an external device on both sides of a sheet and during printing will be described.

It is assumed that a mode for printing data for 10 pages on both sides of 5 sheets is set from an external device.

The COPY processing flow of FIG. 10 specifically explains the contents of the COPY processing of step 704 of FIG. 7, and the COPY processing determination of step 1002 therein is described in more detail with reference to FIG. Is.

In the processing judgment of step 1402 in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the first sheet is fed from the cassette 14 in FIG. 22 in order to print the data from the external device on both sides. Turns on. When printing is further started, step 1510 in FIG.
In step 1514, it is determined that printing is in progress.
At, the printing flag is turned on.

Next, in the print mode determination in step 1517 of FIG. 15, it is determined that double-sided printing of data from the external device is being executed.

Next, when the expansion key 201 is pressed on the operation screen of the copy mode shown in FIG. 2, a double-sided copy key (not shown), which is one of the keys displayed by switching from the current display, is pressed to perform a double-sided copy. When the mode is set, it is determined by the COPY designation mode determination in step 1403 of FIG. 14 that the double-sided copy mode is designated. Next, in step 1602 of FIG. 16, which is the detail of the compatibility determination processing of step 1404, it is determined that the copying operation is not possible because the data from the external device is currently being printed, and the compatibility is not satisfied, and step 160
At 4, the compatibility flag is turned off.

Returning now to FIG. 10, step 1003
In step 51 of FIG. 5, it is determined that COPY is impossible.
7 is displayed on the operation display unit 116.

Next, in the state where the printing of the first sheet is completed and the second sheet is prepared for printing, the sheets are stored in the intermediate tray (24 in FIG. 22). At this time, FIG.
In step 1511 of 5, it is determined that printing is in progress, and in step 1516 the printing in progress flag is turned on.
Then, the print mode judgment (step 1517)
Thus, it is determined that double-sided printing from the external device is being executed.

In addition, the COP of step 1403 of FIG.
In the Y designation mode judgment, the double-sided copy mode is still designated. Next, in the compatibility determination process of step 1404, even if the double-sided printing of the data from the external device is in the middle of printing, if the COPY designation mode is the double-sided copy mode, it may be mixed with the paper of the intermediate tray. Therefore, in order to prohibit double-sided copying, the compatibility flag is turned off in step 1604 of FIG. If both the in-printing flag and the in-printing flag are OFF, it means that the printing is completed, and it is displayed to allow the double-sided copying.

The flow of a series of processes described above is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the present embodiment, when the printing flag is ON, interruption related to printing is prohibited, and when the printing flag is OFF, step 15 in FIG.
When it is determined in the print mode determination in 17 that double-sided printing of data from the external device is being performed, and the double-sided copy is designated in the COPY designation mode determination in step 1403 of FIG. 14, this double-sided copy is prohibited. The latter case is not limited to prohibiting interruption of double-sided copying during double-sided printing of data from an external device, and is applicable to all double-sided printing. However, when performing double-sided printing, interrupts for single-sided copying should be enabled during printing. An interrupt in the same mode is performed after pressing the interrupt key, and an interrupt between different modes is performed after pressing the mode switching keys (224, 225).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the states of the scanner flag, the scanner in-progress flag, the in-print flag and the in-progress flag, step 15 in FIG.
Based on the determination result of the print mode determination of 17 and the determination result of each designated mode determination of step 1103 of FIG. 11, step 1203 of FIG. 12, step 1303 of FIG. 13, step 1403 of FIG. Since the compatibility flag OFF or ON is determined, it is possible to efficiently execute a plurality of processes.

Further, it is displayed by distinguishing whether interrupts are currently possible (514, 517, 518 in FIG. 5, 61 in FIG. 6).
3, 615, 617), the operator can easily recognize it. In addition, it is possible to recognize which function is currently executable and improve operability.

(Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, the double-sided copy operation is prohibited until the double-sided printing is completely completed. However, in this embodiment, the double-sided copy operation is performed when there is no paper left in the intermediate tray. Describe how to allow.

The data for 10 pages from the external device is set to 5
An example of a method of prohibiting and permitting double-sided copying in a copy operation during printing on both sides of a sheet of paper and during printing will be described.

In step 1402 of FIG. 14, it is assumed that the first sheet of paper is fed from the cassette 14 of FIG. 22 for double-sided printing of data from the external device. Turns on. When printing is further started, step 1510 in FIG.
In step 1514, it is determined that printing is in progress.
At, the printing flag is turned on.

Next, in the print mode determination in step 1517 of FIG. 15, it is determined that double-sided printing of data from the external device is being executed.

Next, when the double-sided copy mode is set, the compatibility flag is set to OFF in order to prohibit execution of double-sided copy as in the first embodiment.

Next, when the data printing of the first page (one side of the paper) from the external device is completed and the subsequent second page (the back side of the same paper) is ready for printing, the paper is transferred to the intermediate tray ( It is stored in 24) of FIG. At this time, in step 1511 of FIG. 15, it is determined that printing is in progress and print mode determination (step 1
According to 517), it is determined that the double-sided printing is being executed from the external device and that the intermediate tray has paper.

Then, in step 1403 of FIG. 14, CO
In the PY designation mode judgment, the double-sided copy mode is still designated. Therefore, in the compatibility determination process of step 1404, it is determined that the intermediate tray is being used in the print mode, double-sided copying is impossible, and it is determined that the copying operation is not compatible.

In the judgment of "whether or not COPY is possible" in step 1003 of FIG. 10, "NO" is selected and the copy process is prohibited.

When the paper stored in the intermediate tray is continuously fed and the second page is printed and output to the paper ejection tray 20 through the paper ejection sensor (19 in FIG. 22), the third page is printed. Until the printing operation of is started, the process is as follows.

At this time, it is determined in step 1511 in FIG. 15 that printing is in progress, but it is confirmed from the paper detection sensor ps5 in FIG. 22 that no paper remains in the intermediate tray. Then, in step 1403 of FIG.
In the "OPY designation mode determination", it is determined that the double-sided copy mode is designated, but in the "compatibility determination process" in step 1404, it is determined that the two-sided copy mode is compatible. This is because there is no paper left on the intermediate tray, so the double-sided copy operation may be performed, and after the double-sided copy operation is completed, the print operation may be continued.

Moving to FIG. 10, in step 1003, "CO
In the process of "PY possible", it is selected whether or not COPY is possible, and it is determined whether or not there is a "COPY process request" in step 1004. When a COPY process request is input, "COPY process" in step 1005. At that time, it is determined that double-sided copying is being performed in the “processing determination” of step 1302 in FIG.
By the "compatibility determination process" in step 1304, it is determined that the print process is not compatible with the print process, and the print process is prohibited. In this way, the print processing from the external device is suspended until the copy operation is completed, and after the copy operation is completed,
The print process continues after the "FAX process" in step 702 of FIG. Above, the flow of a series of processing is shown in FIG.
It is shown in the flowchart of FIG. "FAX processing" at this time
Will be described below.

If no COPY processing request is issued in the "COPY processing request" of step 1004,
It ends with RET of step 1006, and step 7 of FIG.
The process moves to “FAX processing” 02. In the FAX reception determination of FIG. 11, it is determined that printing is in progress in the “processing determination” of step 1102, and the FAX is being output during data output from the external device in “compatibility determination processing” of step 1104.
It is determined that the reception is not compatible with the reception, and the FAX reception processing is ended (the reception data is not printed). Further, since FAX transmission is not performed on the copy mode setting screen, the FAX transmission processing is ended.

Subsequently, by the "print processing" in step 703 of FIG. 7, the print processing of the third page is performed similarly to the print processing of the first page. In this way, the above processing is repeated until the data for 10 pages is output.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is detected whether or not paper remains in the intermediate tray, and even if the data is being printed from the external device, the intermediate tray in the middle of double-sided printing is being processed. When there is no paper left in the copy machine, that is, when there is no paper remaining in the copier, the interrupt operation for double-sided copying is enabled, so the user who was trying to perform double-sided copying by interrupt does not have to wait for a long time. In addition, the operation of the device can be further efficiently performed without wasting the operation of the device.

(Third Embodiment) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the copy process is interrupted while the image data sent from the external device is printed has been described, but the third embodiment will be described below. Now, a case will be described in which there is a print request from an external device while copying, printing of facsimile reception data, or printing image data sent from another external device. FIG.
22 shows an example of a form in which the copying machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 22 is connected to a network. In FIG. 21, 2101, 2102, and 2105 are external devices such as a personal computer. Reference numeral 2103 is a local area network (LAN) for connecting various devices. Reference numeral 2104 denotes the copying machine shown in FIGS. Various image data such as document data and graphic data created by the external device 2101, 2102 or 2105 is sent to the copying machine 2104 together with a print command, and the copying machine 21
Print processing is performed by the laser 107 of 04. Further, 2106 is a sorter provided with a plurality of bottles.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing a flow for judging the operation status regarding the print processing of the copying machine 2104. As shown in FIG. 19, determination is made during copying, during copying, during printing, during printing, and the corresponding flag is set to ON or OFF.

Next, the processing flow of the copying machine 2104 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

First, in step 2002, it is determined whether or not there is a print request from an external device. If there is a print request here, the process advances to step 2003 to determine whether or not copying is being performed based on the states of the copying flag and the copying flag. Here, if copying is in progress, the process proceeds to step 2004 to notify the external device that has made the print request that copying is being performed.

If it is determined in step 2003 that copying has not been performed, the flow advances to step 2005 to determine whether printing is in progress. The printing here is the printing of the facsimile reception data or the printing of the image data sent from an external device other than the external device that issued the print request. When it is determined that printing is being performed, the process proceeds to step 2007, and the external device that has issued the print request is notified that printing is being performed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2005 that printing has not been performed, the process proceeds to step 2006 and step 20
The image data is received from the external device that receives the print request 02, and the printing process is performed in the mode instructed by the external device.

In step 2008, the external device that issued the print request is requested to select a process. The process selected here is a mode that prioritizes interrupts, a mode that alternately processes, or a cancel. In the interrupt priority mode, the currently executed copy or print is interrupted when it is in the middle of copying or in the middle of printing, and the image data sent from the external device that requested the print is printed. If the image data is sent, it will be printed.) Then, the interrupted copy or print is restarted. However,
If the previously executed process is double-sided copying or double-sided printing and the print request from the external device is double-sided printing, the process is interrupted when there is no paper left in the intermediate tray as in the second embodiment. To do. In the alternate processing mode, the currently executed copy or print and the requested print are alternately performed for each recording of one sheet. That is, in the case of double-sided printing, printing is performed on the front and back sides of the paper, and in the case of single-sided printing, printing is performed on one side of the paper, and the processing is switched every time the paper is discharged. In addition, the copying machine 2 of this embodiment
In 104, the operation unit 123 can be set to reject the interrupt. If this is set, even if the above two types of modes are selected, the previously executed process is not interrupted. Not interrupted.

When the external device selects the mode in which priority is given to the interrupt in step 2009, the process proceeds to step 2010, it is determined whether interrupt rejection is set, and if it is set, the external device that issued the print request is determined. On the other hand, it notifies that it cannot interrupt the print processing. If it is not set, the image data sent from the external device that issued the print request by interrupting the previously executed copy or print is received, and the print processing is performed according to the mode designated by the external device. When this printing process ends, the interrupted copy or print is restarted. The recording paper printed at this time is the sorter 2106.
Then, the paper is discharged to a different bin for each processing.

When a mode for alternately processing is selected from the external device in step 2013, the process proceeds to step 2014, it is judged whether or not the interrupt distance is set, and if it is set, the external device which has requested the printing is Notifies that print processing cannot be interrupted. If it is not set, the recording or recording of one sheet of recording paper is completed by the copy or print that was previously executed, and once the paper is ejected, the process is temporarily interrupted and the image sent from the external device that requested printing Record data. Thereafter, similarly, the previously executed process and the printing of the image data sent from the external device are alternately performed for each sheet of recording paper. However, after either process is completed, copying or printing is continuously performed. The recording paper printed at this time is discharged to a different bin by the sorter 2106 for each processing.

If the external device that has issued the print request selects cancel in step 2017, the copy or print that has been executed with the print request canceled is continued.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to notify the operator of the external device, which is located away from the copying machine 2104, of the processing status of the copying machine 2104.

Even if the copying machine 2104 performs a recording-related process when a print request is issued from an external device,
It is possible to select a type of interrupt mode (a mode that prioritizes interrupts or a mode that alternately processes).

Further, it is also possible to select cancel in step 2017 and print with another printer connected to the same LAN 2103.

Further, since the copier 2104 side can set the refusal of interruption, it is possible to prevent interruption.

In the third embodiment described above, when a double-sided copy or double-sided print is performed and a print request for double-sided print is issued from an external device, the intermediate tray is interrupted if there is no paper. A double-sided print request from an external device may not be accepted as in the first embodiment. At this time, if there is paper in the intermediate tray,
Single-sided printing is permitted for print requests from external devices.

It is also possible to identify the number of prints by a print request from an external device, permit interrupt printing when the number of pages is small, and prohibit it when it is large.

When a print request is issued from an external device, it is confirmed that the copying machine 2104 is making a copy or print (step 2004 or step 20).
07) Then, the operator of the external device operates the copying machine 2104.
It is also possible to interrupt the copy or print being executed by depressing the interrupt key of the operation unit 123, and prioritize the print processing from the external device to interrupt.

[0111]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently execute a process even when a plurality of processes compete with each other.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a basic screen in a copy mode on an operation display unit 116 shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a basic screen in a fax mode on operation display unit 116 shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flow of mode switching in the operation display unit 116 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a flow of processing when a copy mode is selected.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a flow of processing when a fax mode is selected.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing processing performed by a copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of FAX processing in step 702 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing details of the print processing in step 703 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the COPY processing in step 704 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing details of FAX reception determination in step 802 of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing details of FAX transmission determination in step 806 of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing details of print processing determination in step 902 of FIG. 9;

14 is a diagram showing details of the COPY processing determination in step 1002 of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing details of the process determination of FIGS. 11 to 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing details of the compatibility determination process of FIGS. 11 to 14;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a processing flow for determining whether or not the set processing can be interrupted based on the processing status being executed and the set processing condition.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing for determining whether or not the set processing can be interrupted based on the processing status being executed and the set processing condition.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing details of determination of a processing status during execution.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a flow of processing when a print request is issued from an external device.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a connection example when the copying machine shown in FIG. 1 is connected to a LAN.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a copying machine that is an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101 CCD 102 Driver circuit 103 A / D converter 104 Image processing unit 105 D / A converter 106 Laser driver circuit 107 Laser 108 External I / F circuit 109 FAX image processing unit 110 MODEM 111 Image display control unit 112 RAM 113 VRAM 114 Liquid crystal control unit 115 Driver circuit 116 Operation display unit 117 CPU 118 Bus driver / address decoder circuit 119 ROM 120 RAM 121 I / O interface 122 HD (hard disk) 123 Operation unit

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Yoshihiko Suzuki 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Akinobu Nishikata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Within the corporation

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A first for outputting input image data
Processing means, second processing means for outputting image data different from the image data in the first processing means, and first detection means for detecting the status of processing by the first processing means. A second detection unit that detects the status of the process performed by the second processing unit, and the process performed by the first processing unit is interrupted based on the detection results of the first and second detection units. 2. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a determining unit that determines whether to permit or prohibit the process by the second processing unit. 2. The determining means detects that the first detecting means is the first processing means and is executing processing for printing the input image data on both sides of a sheet,
When the second detection means detects that the second processing means is set to print the input image data on both sides of the sheet, the second processing means prohibits execution of the processing. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus. 3. The determination unit is the first processing unit, wherein the first processing unit is executing the process of printing the input image data on both sides of the sheet, and the conveyed sheet is in the apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when it is detected that the second processing unit does not stay, the execution of the processing by the second processing unit is permitted. 4. An input unit for inputting image data, a recording unit for recording the image data input by the input unit on a sheet, and a sheet on which the image data input by the input unit is recorded on one side by the recording unit. Storage means for temporarily storing the job, and interrupt means for interrupting a job related to recording by the recording means and interrupting a job based on other image data. The image processing apparatus is characterized in that an interrupt is made when the data is not stored and the recording by the recording means is not performed. 5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the storage unit stores the sheet after reversing the sheet on which the image data input by the input unit is recorded on one side by the recording unit. 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the job interrupted by the interrupting unit is a job for recording image data on both sides of a sheet by the recording unit. 7. A first for outputting input image data
Processing means, a second processing means for outputting image data different from the image data in the first processing means, and the second processing means while performing the processing by the first processing means.
An image processing apparatus, comprising: a confirmation unit that confirms whether or not to perform the process by the second processing unit when there is a request for the process by the processing unit. 8. The second processing unit is a process based on an output request from an external device, and the confirmation unit confirms with the external device whether or not to perform the process. The image processing device according to item 1. 9. In response to the confirmation by the confirmation means, if there is an instruction to interrupt the processing by the first processing means and execute the processing by the second processing means, the processing by the first processing means 6. The processing by the second processing means is executed, and when the processing by the second processing means ends, the interrupted processing by the first processing means is restarted. 7. The image processing device according to 7 or 8. 10. When there is an instruction to alternately execute the processing by the first processing means and the processing by the second processing means in response to the confirmation by the confirmation means, each time a predetermined processing is performed. 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein processing by the first processing means and processing by the second processing means are switched.