JPH09312743A - Multi-function peripheral equipment and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain recording of printer data onto recording paper at a higher speed in the multi-function peripheral equipment in which printer data and facsimile data use a memory in common by providing a capacity expansion means that expands a storage capacity for storing printer data. SOLUTION: A CPU 21 discriminates whether or not a priority mode key provided to an operation section 30 of the multi-function peripheral equipment is depressed by the user. When the depression is discriminated, a flag F is set to '1' and the setting is stored in an EEPROM 29. In the case that a recording request is made to the CPU 21 through the operation of a key switch of the operation section 30 by the user, the CPU 21 discriminates whether or not the flag F set to 1 is stored in the EEPROM 29. When discriminated to be 1, part or all of the storage capacity for facsimile data reception in a RAM 22 is used for a storage capacity for printer data storage to expand the storage capacity for storing the printer data.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to receiving means for receiving data via a communication line, transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an information processing device, received data received by the receiving means, and the transmitting / receiving means. And a storage unit for storing printer data received by the unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has become widespread to carry out facsimile communication by using a personal computer by connecting a facsimile device having a built-in facsimile modem to an information processing device such as a personal computer.

Generally, the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus has a fax data recording memory and a printer data recording memory for securing a fax data recording memory and a printer data recording memory sent from the personal computer, respectively. And are provided separately.

However, by separately providing the fax data recording memory and the printer data recording memory as described above, the memory capacity increases and the cost increases.

Therefore, in order to reduce the cost, the recording area of the memory of the facsimile apparatus is shared by the fax data and the printer data, and the capacity of the recording area is kept to the minimum necessary. Has been proposed to be small.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned facsimile apparatus, the memory for recording the printer data cannot be secured at a fixed capacity of a relatively small capacity or more, and the recording sheet of the printer data is processed at a processing speed of the fixed speed or higher. I can't record up.

The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and in a multi-function peripheral device sharing a printer data recording memory and a fax data recording memory, a printer data recording sheet is printed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-functional peripheral device capable of recording data at a higher speed.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a multi-function peripheral device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a receiving means for receiving data via a communication line, and a data processing device for receiving data. A multi-function peripheral device comprising: a transmission / reception means for transmitting / receiving data; and a storage means for storing received data received by the reception means and printer data received by the transmission / reception means, the storage capacity of the storage means Of these, the capacity expansion for expanding the storage capacity for storing printer data from the normal first setting value to a second setting value for using a part or all of the storage capacity for receiving communication data as the storage capacity for storing printer data It is characterized by having means.

According to this multi-function peripheral device, in the multi-function peripheral device sharing the printer data recording memory and the reception data recording memory, a part or all of the storage capacity for receiving communication data is stored as printer data. By using it as a storage capacity for printer data, a larger storage capacity for printer data recording can be secured as compared with the conventional case, so that the printer data can be recorded on the recording paper at a higher speed.

A personal computer or the like can be considered as the information processing apparatus. As the multifunctional peripheral device, a device having a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, a scanner function, an answering machine function, and the like can be considered.
The present invention is not limited to this, and a device having any one or more of the above functions and used as a multi-function peripheral device by connecting the device with a cable or wireless is also within the scope of the present invention.
Further, the printer data includes text data in which documents and images created using a word processor or word processor software are stored, image data read by a scanner, copy data, and the like. The transmission / reception means may be a wired system or a wireless system. The storage means is realized by a RAM or the like. Capacity expansion means
It is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

A multi-function peripheral device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the multi-function peripheral device according to the first aspect,
The capacity expanding means changes the storage capacity of the memory means when the user performs a switching operation to a capacity expanding mode capable of storing the printer data at the second set value and the transmitting means receives a recording request. It is to expand.

According to this multi-function peripheral device, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device according to claim 1, the multi-function peripheral device is switched to the capacity expansion mode in which the printer data can be stored at the second set value. However, as long as the recording request is not made, the communication data sent via the communication line can be normally received.

Furthermore, a multi-function peripheral device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the multi-function peripheral device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the receiving means has a storage capacity for storing the printer data. When the second set value is set by the capacity expanding means, the data is not received.

According to this multi-function peripheral device, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device according to the first or second aspect, it is possible to switch to the capacity expansion mode in which the printer data can be stored at the second set value. When a recording request is made, it is possible to secure a larger storage capacity for storing printer data in the storage means.

A multi-function peripheral device according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the multi-function peripheral device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the receiving means has a storage capacity for storing the printer data. The data is received even when the capacity expansion means sets the second set value.

According to this multi-function peripheral device, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device according to the first or second aspect, if the data amount is small, for example, the data amount of several pages of recording paper, printer data can be stored. Communication data can be received even while recording on the recording paper.

Further, a multi-function peripheral device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the multi-function peripheral device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein printing of printer data on a recording sheet is completed. After that, a switching means is provided for switching the storage capacity for storing printer data from the second set value to the first set value when another printer data recording request is not made within a predetermined time.

According to this multi-function peripheral device, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the storage capacity for storing the printer data for a long time is set to the second setting more than necessary. There is no adverse effect caused by setting the value, for example, communication data cannot be received and a reception error is caused.

The switching means is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

The storage medium of the invention described in claim 6 is received by the receiving means for receiving data via a communication line, the transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from the information processing device, and the transmitting / receiving means. A storage medium for operating a multi-functional peripheral device, the storage medium storing the received data and the printer data received by the transmission / reception means, wherein the storage medium stores the printer data in the storage capacity of the storage means. And a capacity expanding program for expanding a storage capacity for storage from a normal first setting value to a second setting value for using a part or all of the storage capacity for receiving communication data as a storage capacity for storing printer data. It is characterized by that.

According to this storage medium, the effects of the multi-function peripheral device according to claim 1 can be enjoyed by installing the contents in the information processing device.

A flexible disk is conceivable as the storage medium, but the storage medium is not limited to this, and may be a CD-ROM or the like.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which a multi-function peripheral device according to the present invention is connected to a personal computer as an information processing device according to the present invention. The personal computer 1 employs a GUI using a so-called multi-window, and can simultaneously activate a plurality of applications. The multifunctional peripheral device (hereinafter, referred to as “MFD”) 2 has a plurality of functions such as a facsimile, a printer, an image scanner, and a copier. The MFD is an abbreviation for a multi-function device.

The personal computer 1 has a processor 1
1, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a gate array 14, an interface 15, a hard disk drive 16, and a flexible disk drive 17. Processor 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, gate array 14,
And the interface 15 are interconnected by a bus line. Bus lines are data bus, address bus,
And a control signal line.

The processor 11 is a hard disk device 16
It operates based on programs such as an OS and various application software installed in the PC and performs information processing. The ROM 12 stores various data and the like. The RAM 13 is used by various application software and stores various data. The gate array 14 includes the processor 11, the hard disk drive 16, and the flexible disk drive 1.
7 functions as an interface with the C.7. The interface 15 controls transmission and reception of data between the personal computer 1 and the MFD 2 based on a standard such as RS-232C, for example. Hard disk drive 16
Stores various application software programs and the like. Flexible disk drive 17
Reads the contents of the flexible disk.

The MFD 2 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22 and an R
OM 23, gate array 24, interface 25,
Scanner 26, Printer 27, Modem 28, EEPROM
An M29 and an operating unit 30 are provided. CPU21, R
The AM 22, ROM 23, gate array 24, interface 25, and EEPROM 29 are connected to each other by a bus line. The bus lines include a data bus, an address bus, and a control signal line. Interface 2
5 is a personal computer 1 via a cable 31
Connected to the interface 15 of the
A telephone line 32 is connected to.

The CPU 21 controls the entire MFD 2.
The RAM 22 stores various data. ROM23
Stores a program for controlling the MFD 2 and the like. The gate array 24 includes the CPU 21 and the scanner 2
6, functions as an interface between the printer 27 and the modem 28. The interface 25 controls transmission and reception of data between the personal computer 1 and the MFD 2 based on a standard such as RS-232C, for example. The scanner 26 reads an image of a document and converts it into an image signal. The printer 27 prints an image based on the image data. When transmitting and receiving facsimile communication, the modem 28 modulates a carrier with transmission data and demodulates a received carrier to extract received data.
The EEPROM 29 stores registration data such as so-called one-touch dials and speed dials and flags. The operation unit 30 is made up of a key switch group and outputs an operation signal according to a user's operation.

On the hard disk device 16 of the personal computer 1, a modem 28 of the MFD 2 is used to perform facsimile communication between the personal computer 1 and another facsimile device, or a personal computer 1 is created using the printer 27. The printed document or image, or the image signal read by the scanner 26 is loaded into the personal computer 1.
MFD control application software for realizing various functions is installed. This MFD
The control application software inserts the flexible disk into the flexible disk drive 17 and performs a predetermined operation, so that the hard disk device 16
Installed in The MFD control application software includes software called a FAX driver for performing data conversion such as conversion of text data to bitmap data, software called a log manager for managing and displaying a communication history, and communication between the personal computer 1 and the MFD 2. It is composed of software called a status monitor for managing the transmission and reception of the data.

That is, the CPU 21, the interface 25, and the cable 31 constitute a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data between the information processing device and the multifunction peripheral device. The RAM 22 constitutes storage means for storing the printer data received by the received data and the transmitted / received data. The CPU 21 has a capacity expanding means for expanding the storage capacity for storing printer data from the first setting value to a second setting value for using a part or all of the storage capacity for receiving communication data as the storage capacity for storing printer data. I am configuring. The CPU 21 sets the storage capacity for storing the printer data from the second set value to the storage capacity for storing the printer data from the second set value when the request for recording the other printer data is not made within a predetermined time after the recording of the printer data on the recording paper is completed. The switching means is configured to switch to one set value.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the storage area of the RAM 22 of the MFD 2. The storage area stores a print data area 22a for storing print data to be printed on the print sheet such as printer data to be printed on the print sheet and fax data to be sent by fax, and data received by fax. Fax reception area 2
2b and a common area 22c for storing various other data. 2A shows a state in which the recording data area 22a has the first set value, and FIG.
(B) shows the state where the recording data area 22a is at the second set value.

In a normal state, the recording data area 22
In FIG. 1A, the print data is stored with the capacity of the first set value as shown in FIG. 1A, but the user switches to the capacity expansion mode in which the print data can be stored with the second set value. When the transmitting / receiving means receives a recording request, a part or all of the fax receiving area 22b is used as a recording data area, so that the recording data storage area 22a can be stored as shown in FIG. 2B. Enlarge.

Next, the operation of the multi-function peripheral device thus configured will be described. First, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the priority mode key provided on the operation unit 30 of the multi-function peripheral device has been pressed by the user. CPU2
When 1 determines that the priority mode key is pressed, the flag F is set to 1 and stored in the EEPROM 29. Next, when the user makes a recording request to the CPU 21 by operating the key switch of the operation unit 30,
The CPU 21 uses the flag F stored in the EEPROM 29.
Is determined to be 1 or not. CPU21 is EEPR
When it is determined that the flag F stored in the OM 29 is 1, a part or all of the storage capacity for receiving fax data in the RAM 22 is used as the storage capacity for storing the printer data, thereby storing the printer data. Expand the storage capacity of.

Next, the procedure of the priority mode processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the priority mode key provided on the operation unit 30 of the multi-function peripheral device has been pressed by the user (S1). When the CPU 21 determines that the priority mode key is pressed (S1:
If YES, the flag F is set to 1 and stored in the EEPROM 29 (S2). If it is determined that the button F is not pressed (S1: NO), the flag F is not rewritten and the EEP is performed.
The state stored in the ROM 29, that is, F = 0 is set.

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the priority mode release key provided in the operation unit 30 of the multi-function peripheral device is pressed by the user (S3). CPU2
If 1 determines that the priority mode release key is pressed (S3: YES), the flag F is set to 0 and EEPRO is set.
It is stored in M29 (S4), and this routine ends.
When the CPU 21 determines that the priority mode release key is not pressed (S3: NO), the flag F is not rewritten and this routine is ended.

The priority mode key and the priority mode release key may be selected from the priority mode and the priority mode release by turning on and off one key switch, or may be provided separately. When the priority mode and the cancellation of the priority mode can be selected by turning on and off one key switch, it is preferable to display the priority mode and the cancellation of the priority mode.

Next, the procedure of the recording process of the multi-functional peripheral device having the priority mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

First, the CPU 21 determines whether or not a recording request has been input from the personal computer 1 (S).
10). When the CPU 21 determines that the recording request is input (S10: YES), the CPU 21 causes the EEP
It is determined whether the flag F stored in the ROM 29 is 1 (S11).

When the CPU 21 determines that the flag F stored in the EEPROM 29 is 1, (S11:
If YES, a part of the storage capacity for receiving fax data in the RAM 22 is secured as a storage capacity for storing printer data, thereby expanding the memory capacity for storing printer data (S12).

In the present embodiment, a part of the storage capacity for receiving fax data in the RAM 22 is secured as a storage capacity for storing printer data, and a predetermined storage capacity is also secured for receiving fax data. . As the predetermined storage capacity for receiving the fax data,
It is preferable that the storage capacity is such that one to several pages of fax data can be stored.

When the CPU 21 determines that the flag F stored in the EEPROM 29 is not 1, that is, the flag F is 0 (S11: NO), and a part of the memory capacity for receiving fax data in the RAM 22 in S12. When the storage of the printer data as the memory capacity for storing the printer data is completed, the CPU 21 determines whether or not there is a space in the area for storing the printer data (S1).
3).

When the CPU 21 determines that the printer data storage area has a free space (S13: YE
S) Since the printer data can be stored in the RAM 22, the printer data is sequentially written in the empty area. When the CPU 21 determines that there is no space in the printer data storage area (S13: NO), writing of printer data is suspended until the printer data storage area becomes available.

Subsequently, based on the printer data written in the RAM 22, the printer data is sequentially recorded on the recording paper (S15), and the printer data which has been recorded on the recording paper is sequentially stored in the RAM 22. It is discharged from inside (S16).

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the fax data has been received (S17). That is, by providing S17, it is possible to monitor whether or not the CPU 21 receives the fax data while recording the printer data on the recording paper. When the CPU 21 determines that the fax data has been received (S1
(7: YES), the receiving process described later is performed (S24).

When the CPU 21 determines in S17 that the fax data has not been received (S17: N
O), and when the receiving process ends, the CPU 21
Prints all the printer data that should be printed on the printing paper.
It is determined whether the data has been written in the AM 22 (S18).

When the CPU 21 determines that all the printer data to be recorded on the recording paper has been written to the RAM 22 (S18: YES), whether or not all the printer data to be recorded has been recorded on the recording paper. (S
19) If the CPU 21 determines that all the printer data to be printed on the printing paper has not been written to the RAM 22 (S18: NO), the process returns to S13 to check the vacancy of the printer data storage area, If there is a space in the area, the printer data is written.

When the CPU 21 determines in S19 that all the printer data to be recorded are not recorded on the recording sheet (S19: NO), the CPU 21 records all the printer data to be recorded on the recording sheet. The determination of the end of recording the printer data is repeated until it is determined that the recording has been completed.

When the CPU 21 determines in S19 that all the printer data to be recorded are recorded on the recording paper (S19: YES), the timer is started (S19).
20), the CPU 21 again operates the personal computer 1
It is determined whether or not a recording request is input from (S2).
1).

When the CPU 21 determines that the recording request is input (S21: YES), the process returns to S13 and the printer data is recorded in the same manner as above. CPU 21
However, if it is determined that the recording request is not input (S21: NO), the CPU 21 monitors the timer to determine whether the time is up (S22).

When the CPU 21 determines in S22 that the time is not up (S22: NO), S2
Returning to 1, the above determination is repeated until the CPU 21 determines that the recording request is input or the time is up.

When the CPU 21 determines in S22 that the time is up (S22: YES), the memory reservation is released (S23), the flag F is set to 0, and the EEP is set.
It is stored in the ROM 29 (S24), and this routine ends.

If the CPU 21 determines in S10 that the printer data recording request has not been made (S10: NO), it means that the printer data is not recorded on the recording sheet, and this routine is ended.

Next, the procedure of the receiving process in S24 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

When the fax data is received, the communication line is closed (S30), and the CPU 21 makes the RAM 2
It is determined whether or not there is a vacant area for storing fax data in 2 (S31).

When the CPU 21 determines that the RAM 22 has a free area for storing fax data (S31: YES), it writes the fax data in the area for storing fax data (S32).

Next, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the writing of the fax data to the area for storing the fax data is completed (S33), and when the CPU 21 determines that the writing of the fax data is completed (S3).
3: YES), the line is released (S34), and this routine ends.

In S31, the CPU 21 causes the RAM 2
If it is determined that there is no space in the area for storing fax data in 2 (S31: NO), that is, if it is determined that the fax data cannot be stored any more, reception error processing is performed (S35).

When the CPU 21 determines in S33 that the writing of the fax data in the area for storing the fax data is not completed (S33: N
O), the writing of the fax data is continued until the writing of the fax data is completed or there is no space in the fax data storage area.

In the above embodiment, a part of the storage capacity for receiving the fax data in the RAM 22 is secured as the storage capacity for storing the printer data, and the storage capacity for receiving the fax data is also secured as a predetermined capacity. It is also possible to secure the entire storage capacity for data reception as storage capacity for printer data storage and not accept reception of fax data during recording of printer data.

[0061]

As described above, according to the multi-function peripheral device of the invention described in claim 1, in the multi-function peripheral device sharing the printer data recording memory and the reception data recording memory, the communication data By using a part or all of the storage capacity for reception as the storage capacity for storing printer data, it is possible to secure a larger storage capacity for recording printer data as compared with the conventional one. Recording can be performed at higher speed.

According to the multi-function peripheral device of the second aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device of the first aspect, printer data can be stored at the second set value. Even if the capacity expansion mode is switched to, the communication data sent via the communication line can be normally received unless a recording request is made.

Further, according to the multi-function peripheral device of the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device of the first or second aspect, the printer data is stored at the second set value. It is possible to secure a larger storage capacity for printer data recording of the storage means when a recording request is made after switching to a capacity expansion mode capable of performing.

According to the multi-function peripheral device of the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device of claim 1 or 2, a small data amount, for example, several pages of recording paper. With the data amount, communication data can be received even while the printer data is being recorded on the recording paper.

Further, according to the multi-function peripheral device of the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the multi-function peripheral device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, printer data storage for a longer time than necessary. There is no adverse effect caused by setting the storage capacity for data to the second set value, for example, communication data cannot be received and a reception error is caused.

According to the storage medium of the invention described in claim 6, the effect of the multi-function peripheral device according to claim 1 can be enjoyed by installing the content in the information processing apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram showing a state in which a multifunctional peripheral device according to the present invention is connected to a personal computer as an information processing device.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of a storage area of a RAM of a multi-function peripheral device.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of priority mode processing by the multi-function peripheral device shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printer data recording process performed by the multifunction peripheral device shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a printer data recording process performed by the multifunction peripheral device shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of FAX reception processing during the recording processing shown in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Personal Computer 2 MFD 21 CPU 22 RAM 25 Interface 27 Printer

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Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A receiving means for receiving data via a communication line, a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an information processing apparatus, received data received by the receiving means, and a printer received by the transmitting / receiving means. A storage device for storing data, comprising: a multi-function peripheral device, wherein a storage capacity for storing printer data, out of the storage capacity of the storage means, is a storage capacity for receiving communication data from a normal first set value. A multi-function peripheral device comprising a capacity expanding means for expanding a part or all of the above to a second set value used as a storage capacity for storing printer data. 2. The capacity expanding means stores the memory when a user performs a switching operation to a capacity expanding mode in which printer data can be stored at a second set value and the transmitting / receiving means receives a recording request. The multi-function peripheral device according to claim 1, wherein the storage capacity of the means is expanded. 3. The multifunction device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit does not receive data when the storage capacity for storing the printer data is set to the second set value by the capacity expanding unit. Peripherals. 4. The receiving means receives data even when the storage capacity for storing the printer data is set to the second set value by the capacity expanding means.
Alternatively, the multi-function peripheral device described in 2. 5. A storage capacity for storing printer data is set to the second set value when another printer data recording request is not made within a predetermined time after the recording of the printer data on the recording paper is completed. 5. The multi-function peripheral device according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit that switches from the first set value to the first set value. 6. A receiving means for receiving data via a communication line, a transmitting / receiving means for transmitting / receiving data to / from an information processing apparatus, received data received by the transmitting / receiving means, and a printer received by the transmitting / receiving means. A storage medium for operating a multi-functional peripheral device comprising a storage unit for storing data, wherein a storage capacity for storing printer data in the storage capacity of the storage unit is set to a normal first set value. A storage medium which stores a capacity expanding program for expanding a part or all of a storage capacity for receiving communication data to a second set value used as a storage capacity for storing printer data.